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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

15yo DS not particularly motivated by school - any advice / reassurance?

4 replies

Cath75xyz · 01/03/2022 09:05

This is my first time posting! I have a 15 year old boy (only child) who will be sitting his Nat 5s (Scottish equiv of GCSEs) shortly. He is predicted to pass them but not A/Bs and he isn’t particularly motivated to study for them or finds any of the subjects particularly interesting. He doesn’t love school. He has nice supportive friends and enjoys playing his xbox but has no clue what he wants to do. We went to the local college last night to look at possible practical course he could pursue but even they didn’t really jump out at him too much. He is now picking his subjects for staying on at school into next year and with some nudging from me he’s gone for more practical subjects that I feel he may enjoy more. I don’t think he will will pursue an academic route like I did (and now have a decent career because of it) so I struggle a bit with this, but I feel I would feel better about it if he had some inkling as to what he might like. Just wondered if anyone was in a similar position. I’m not necessarily looking for practical tips, just someone who is in a similar position or who has been with their son and can reassure me. I seem to be surrounded by friends with kids who either are keen to pursue the academic route or have a good idea in which direction their boys are heading. Thank you.

OP posts:
Notonetojudge · 02/03/2022 14:07

No real advice but sympathy and a bump.
I have a 15yo dd in same situation - really not academically driven, will probably get a handful of ok GCSEs. Doesn’t want to go to either 6th form or college, but also not seen any other alternatives that appeal.

It’s tough. I’m encouraging her to keep thinking about what she might like to do whilst keeping the options as open as possible and encouraging her to try different things.

I think possibly the majority of kids feel like this, especially this year as the last few years of aspirations and experiences have been so limited.
If he’s happy, that would be my first priority tbh as so many aren’t, and I’d do whatever I could to keep it that way and keep the pressure off.

Cath75xyz · 02/03/2022 16:24

Thank you for your kind message. Yes, it's been a tough couple of years for them. We are very lucky that he seems generally happy, as you are right - that is the most important thing.

Wishing you all the best with your 15 year old girl too. Xx

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lljkk · 06/03/2022 18:37

They just have to keep trying things until something clicks that feels more attractive than other options.

if he likes gaming, would he consider game design?

Cath75xyz · 06/03/2022 20:13

Yes. He likes gaming and I did think maybe he might like the programming / design side of it as a career but he's not that bothered. Happy to laugh with his pals as they shoot zombies and do casino heists 🙈 but not really bothered about what goes on in the making of them!! 🤣. I think to be fair, he is still fairly young for his age!

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