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teachingmyown
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| Posted: Oct 01 2008 at 7:37pm | IP Logged
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Ds 17 wants to give up on high school, get his GED and enlist. I am totally against this, but wonder if I'm making too big a deal about it. What would you do? What will this mean to his future?
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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folklaur
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| Posted: Oct 01 2008 at 7:59pm | IP Logged
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wellllll.......
does it seem like an impulsive decision, or has he given it a lot of thought?
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Oct 01 2008 at 8:03pm | IP Logged
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Doesn't he have just a few months to go? Seems a shame to go the GED route if it's just a case of finishing up a semester or so.
Also, I can't get a definite read on whether the Marine Corps will take him with just a GED. Website says "high school diploma" and doesn't mention "or equivalent," which I take to mean that if they take GED enlistees, it's on a case-by-case basis.
At 17, I think he's too young. He should be 18 and finish high school - later on, he might need that diploma for something he just can't predict now. I'm all about keeping doors open as long as possible. Even a few months will make a difference in his maturity level, and he needs every bit of good judgment he can get when hanging out with older Marines.
If it were me, with a son who isn't interested in school, I'd insist he wait until he is 18 and has a diploma. If he demanded to take the GED exam before getting the diploma, I'd probably end up letting him - at least that way he'd have it if he wanted to enlist on his 18th birthday - but I would insist he keep working toward a diploma as long as I was supporting him. If he couldn't live up to that challenge, Marine Corps life will be too hard...there's studying involved in every branch of the armed forces, and promotions (increased pay) depend on those advancement exam scores.
(Besides, doesn't he need your signature to enlist now?)
Praying for you, Molly - I know what it's like to have a son who isn't sure what direction to go in, and doesn't want to hit the books in order to succeed.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Bookswithtea
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| Posted: Oct 03 2008 at 1:39pm | IP Logged
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Molly, has he talked with a recruiter about this plan? Rather than you being the so-called meanie, why not let a recruiter inform him that his options will be more limited if he chooses this route?
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Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and  due 9/10
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: Oct 04 2008 at 2:21pm | IP Logged
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Praying for you, Molly. I would really encourage my teen to do their homework and make a convincing argument for the decision. He could start by googling and writing out a 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year plan for his life. If he can't make a good case, he may still choose it but at least you can say, "I'm really concerned for you today and how your decision making will affect your future. I love you and want what is best for you. I also see that you are old enough to take responsibility for your life. How can I help you?"...
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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4Real Forums : High School Years and Beyond
Topic: GED
