Bright Minds, Poor Grades: Understanding and Motivating Your Underachieving Child

Rating:
Summary: Finally, some direction
Review: My husband and I have only just started implementing the suggestions in this book, but it is a relief to finally have some direction as to how to handle our 16-year-old son. I just wish we could have read this 5 years ago. After years of struggling and following teacher recommendations of consequences, planners for teachers to sign, and rewards--all to no avail; Dr. Whitley's approach puts the solution responsibilities back on the child. I can't say he particularly likes the process at this point, but it's not because we are angry or punishing. We are simply asking questions and Dr. Whitley says if they become irritated, "take heart" because that means we're hitting the right buttons. He compares the approach to Columbo and Mr. Rogers: caring, logical, inquiring. Even if it takes a long time to have the desired effect of better grades, at least we are not screaming at him and feel like we are acting more like we are on his side--which, of course, we always have been!

Rating:
Summary: Finally, some direction
Review: My husband and I have only just started implementing the suggestions in this book, but it is a relief to finally have some direction as to how to handle our 16-year-old son. I just wish we could have read this 5 years ago. After years of struggling and following teacher recommendations of consequences, planners for teachers to sign, and rewards--all to no avail; Dr. Whitley's approach puts the solution responsibilities back on the child. I can't say he particularly likes the process at this point, but it's not because we are angry or punishing. We are simply asking questions and Dr. Whitley says if they become irritated, "take heart" because that means we're hitting the right buttons. He compares the approach to Columbo and Mr. Rogers: caring, logical, inquiring. Even if it takes a long time to have the desired effect of better grades, at least we are not screaming at him and feel like we are acting more like we are on his side--which, of course, we always have been!

Rating:
Summary: Your child can achieve his potential and here is the key.
Review: My son in fifth grade was receiving D's and E's despite reading on an 8th grade level. We had tried everything, bribery, threats, groundings, denial of field trips, removal of TV privileges and anything else you could think of. He simply "forgot" everything he was tasked with at home and at school. He even "forgot" to turn in homework that he had actually completed!! This book made me described how we could give him the tools to apply himself to get good grades and somewhat sceptically, I thought I had nothing to lose by trying it. BINGO. We've seen dramatic improvement in every area, not just schoolwork. There are still some "slipbacks" into old habits, but we're definitely on the right track to his achieving his potential. Thank You Dr Whitley.

Rating:
Summary: Your child can achieve his potential and here is the key.
Review: This book provided answers for a Mom who has tried it all--punishments to bribes, being totally involved to letting consequences fall where they may. Dr. Whitley described my 12th grade son. His book provided fascinating information about underachieving children. Most importantly he described in detail how to help such children. I feel empowered as a parent, I see my child with greater understanding, and I have real tools to help us solve the problems that have been so consuming. We've had great success implementing the 10 step program. I'm so grateful to have found this book before my son graduated from High School--it's not too late! ...

Rating:
Summary: Bright Minds, Poor Grades
Review: This book provided answers for a Mom who has tried it all--punishments to bribes, being totally involved to letting consequences fall where they may. Dr. Whitley described my 12th grade son. His book provided fascinating information about underachieving children. Most importantly he described in detail how to help such children. I feel empowered as a parent, I see my child with greater understanding, and I have real tools to help us solve the problems that have been so consuming. We've had great success implementing the 10 step program. I'm so grateful to have found this book before my son graduated from High School--it's not too late! ...

Rating:
Summary: bright minds, poor grades
Review: This is a great book. Dr. Michael Whitley has hit a home run.
Here is his premise. Kids want to be independent but as teenagers they are not quite ready. I disagree with the reviewer who says this book will not work on kids who are too far gone. Can you ever classify a kid as too far gone? I doubt it. The techniques discussed in this book are good for all ages of "children" who procrastinate and not just for helping children with school work. Many adults are locked in a syndrome of underachieving because they never had parents who let them experience success and failure in a loving, tolerant enviornment.

The parent is in charge. He does not rant and rave but talks to the child in a calm reassuring voice. The child begins to realize that he is ultimately responsible for his own decisions.
The parent keeps close track of the child's progress but withholds judgement. The child becomes his own best critic. The child appreciates the parental care and lack of criticism. If the child slips it is another teaching moment. Ingenious.
So far so good in our family, I hope this book helps yours too.

Rating:
Summary: Shining Star
Review: This is an awsome book! I read it over & over & was convinced that my child fit the mold of an underacheiver, with a few exceptions. I was ready to take him to Texas to meet with the doctor/author for help. I actually called the doctor & talked to him at length about my son, free of charge! The doctor knew that my son was NOT an underacheiver from the information I gave him. My son was suffering from Asperger's Syndrome. Dr. Whitley told me the type of doctor to seek & gave me great comfort. He is a very nice man & the book is excellent. You can learn from it even if you don't have an underacheiver.