Gabriel is starting to go through puberty and it is plain to see! Gabriel has begun to argue with my husband and I more and more. He argues mostly about wanting more "cool" clothes, wanting a later bedtime, and not wanting to do his chores, but otherwise we all get along pretty well. He also seems to be acting out a little more lately and recently there was an incident with him and his friends throwing things at a passing car. He has become a lot more moody and he tends to act bored or angry when I try to talk to him or help him with homework assignments. He has his ups and downs during the week, sometimes coming home from school cheerful and friendly, and sometimes sullen and cranky. He is developing some moral principles, which I am glad about. He talks quite often about what is "fair" and "not fair". Gabriel is starting to notice girls more, but has not said anything openly about it. He has become more interested in his appearance than he ever was before and he is almost obsessed with looking cool.
I would characterize Gabriel as a resilient child. He is sullen and moody sometimes but always snaps out of it. He is a cheerful and happy child most of the time. Gabriel is self confident and relaxed in social situations and at home he has two warm parents that love to spend time with him. I don’t really think there have been any changes in this since Gabriel was younger. He has always been a very self-reliant child and can easily cope with problems.
Overall, Gabriel is still a pretty average student. He excels in the arts but his reading, writing and math are lacking. His word reading, spelling and writing skills are strong but he got C's in 7th grade English and Social Studies, as well as in Spanish. He got a C in 7th grade math and a B in Science. The teacher thought that he could do better with more studying and some tutoring in math so we decided to get him a tutor in the hopes that his grades will improve. Gabriel got all A’s in art, chorus and band, and a note of appreciation for his fine efforts from both the chorus teacher and the band director. In addition to the tutor for Gabriel, we have allowed him to subscribe to educational children’s magazines in an effort to interest him in these subjects more. We are hoping that if he is more interested in these subjects he will retain information better.
3 comments:
Gabriel sounds so cool. I think that kids who excel in art are unique and have a great potential for their future, despite their average grades. I think artists are closer than the "normal" person in attaining successful skills expressing themselves, thinking of others, and other life skills. Gabe sort of reminds me of my own virtual son.
What's with the arguing and the moodiness? Mine is having similar problems. Throwing things at cars? My boy got caught breaking into the elementary school to play basketball with some friends.
Gabriel and Mason would get along great! My son also has to have "cool clothes" and is becoming more argumentative with my husband and I.
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