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Secondary education

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Teacher or subject dependent selective behaviour

53 replies

Blablaboom · 05/12/2025 14:01

DS has just started secondary but in his old prep school. He will move to a new school in y9.
Unfortunately, DS seems to select which lessons he behaves/works well in and which he can just ignore. If he finds the teacher boring or if he dislikes the subject, he does not apply himself or sometimes distract others. He's already had several detentions. We've had several meetings with his form tutor. There doesn't seem to be much change. His homework has improved compared to September but in class, it seems to be the same. Likes teacher/subject, no problem. Dislikes the teacher/subject, plays up.
Anyone been there? How do you make the child accept that he's got to respect teachers or subjects in the same way? DS is very strong willed (always has been). The school think we should test for ADD. We think he's just decided to do what he likes. A battle of wills.
Thank you!
(I will ignore all the can't you control your kid trolling type comments)

OP posts:
Blablaboom · 05/12/2025 14:14

LyndaLaHughes · 05/12/2025 14:03

As a teacher, if the school think he needs testing for ADHD, then please listen and do so. We don’t say this to parents lightly. This is very typical ADHD behaviour and my daughter is the same.

Whether DS has ADD or not, we, and the school think the same, think that the strategies will be the same.

What strategies have you got for your daughter please? At school and at home. Thanks

OP posts:
Squishedpassenger · 05/12/2025 14:04

I dont feel particularly engaged in subjects that don't interest me. Being disrespectful to people is a totally different issue related to the values that have been instilled in him. I would insist on respect for other people, not subjects.

If he doesnt know how to be respectful or thinks that other people aren't deserving of respect, that's an entirely different problem in him.

LyndaLaHughes · 05/12/2025 14:03

As a teacher, if the school think he needs testing for ADHD, then please listen and do so. We don’t say this to parents lightly. This is very typical ADHD behaviour and my daughter is the same.

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