Hi All,
DS is a sophomore and has learning disabilities. His school has a very strong LD Resource Center, and my son works extremely hard for his grades. He moved up from basic classes freshman year to honors classes this year and ended freshman year with a 3.8 uw.
Last year, he played football and then rowed. He seemed to enjoy both at the time. He would often be studying until 1 or 2 am to get his work done, and he is up at 5:45 in the morning. Spring rowing season was great in the beginning, but when the regattas began and he was losing weekends to travel and rowing he showed signs of being overwhelmed and stressed out. Long story short, he announced he was not going to participate in any school related extracurriculars this year, and wanted to focus on doing his best academically. He truly works exceptionally hard at school to maintain his grades and i'm very proud of him. While he tests 'gifted', and has accommodations, he has the same work load and deadlines as everyone else, and the work takes him much longer. He stays at school every day until the library closes, then he comes home, eats dinner and continues to work.
I'm really struggling with his decision to not participate in extracurriculars. Admittedly, i'm concerned regarding his future college applications, but more importantly i'm concerned about him making friends, being part of the school, developing interests, exercising, and feeling like he has more going on than just school. I have called the school counselor to discuss, and despite a reminder call that i'm waiting to hear from her, it has been three weeks since I called.
If you have patiently read all this I am very appreciative. What are your thoughts on lack of extracurriculars when kids have LD's that require much more time on their academics to be successful? My gut instinct is that he needs to be involved in some way every year, even if he is not involved each semester. This will not only help him build friendships and relationships with teachers, but balance his life.
Thoughts on managing the school counselor? I would like to rule out any issues with school itself or depression before insisting that he participate.
Thanks for your input.
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