Grade maniac mom

[Cindy]

My mom is driving me crazy! Last year, my grades in precal were quite low because I did not take a sufficient enough Algebra 2 summer school class (I was trying to go ahead). I can understand why she was frustrated with me, but i brought it up at the end of the year, and promised her that i would maintain an A in 11th grade. So far, I have, and she still doesn't seem satisfied by what i have achieved. For me, getting an A in math is pretty hard, since i hate the subject. However, I tried to hard, and she doesn't even say a word of good job. Instead, she comments that I am not going to SAT practice in the weekends, my friends have been doing it for so long. I am not going to get a good enough score, and blah, even though I went to Testmasters, and got an1800 the first try. It seems that whatever things I do better than my friends, she ignores and takes for granted, and whatever i don't do that my friends do make me seem falling behind and a slacker. These days she does nothing but argue with me. One time, I tried to talk it out with her, tried to point out that there are some extracurricular activities that I am doing that my friends are not doing, but then she just yells at me,, saying that I should be comparing myself to the people who have "higher standards" rather than focus on what they are not doing that i am doing. I seriously want to yell at her everyday, but she would ruin my life if i even tried to oppose her. She takes great offense even to words like "freaking out" and stuff. Help, what should i do? these days it feels like i am about to explode in anger.

[JKmadu619]

Good grades ARE important, but expecting A's in 11th grade math is really... almost humorous. Some people aren't built for math, and I get that.

As much as you're going to hate hearing this, she does it for your own good. She things that this will make you a better person in the long run. Yes I said it.

She's going about it wrong, she's probably cramping your space, and probably makes you want to slack off even more. Maybe she's beating a dead horse, because you simply cannot do better, or maybe she's just clinically bat-shit crazy. Regardless she is doing this for your own good, and instead of fighting her, ask for her help.

Get you math homework, sit down at the table and ask her to help you understand it. Explain that if she helped you with the tricky questions you could probably do better in class. And I promise you that understanding homework will make your life easier.

If all else fails, try a tutor, or even better, buy a program. I recomend "Teaching Textbooks" you can buy it for any grade from 5-12. It's rather expensive, but it is worth the money if you're desperate, and is cheaper than a tutor.

Best luck, be patient with her, and work with her to solve the problem. If you at least try the methods I recomended she's going to see that you are trying.

- Justin

[Heartlines.]

Justin definitely brings up some great points. I'd just like to add to some of it! :]

I think you should talk to your mom. Let her know what a struggle this is for you. Tell her that you would rather have her support, and that that's more motivating for you. She, as your parent, just wants what's best for you. You can't blame her, right? Show to her that you're trying your hardest. Also have her help you with your homework. It shows that you truly want to do well for yourself, and not just for her. And it also shows that your motivated. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do in this situation. Just keep trying your hardest and talk to her about how you're feeling about all of this.

Take care,
-Lyndsee