The Carrot

This year has not been the easiest for my sweet boy, Carter. Fourth grade as proven to be quite the challenge. He is a bright boy, I know every mom says this about their own child; really, I've heard in many a parent teacher conference. Mind you, I don't mean "common sense"; in that department, he is severely lacking. He has never had trouble academically. He taught himself to read the summer before kindergarten, learned times tables himself without the endless drills. I think there are a number of reasons why he had some trouble in the fourth grade.

The quiz and test load this year for him has been NUTS. This week alone, he has EIGHT quizzes or tests. He studies (and we drill him) for at least and hour or two each evening. He KNOWS the study material well before he goes to bed at night, next day when he takes the test, he BOMBS it. I mean, badly. *sigh*

If the grades weren't bad enough, he has gotten a lot of demerits for misbehavior. Other kids in the fourth grade tell me about his clashes with his teachers. The last three demerits he has gotten have been for turning around in his seat. Again, *sigh*.

SO, comes the carrot.
I learned about my son long ago that he doesn't correct his behavior to avoid negative consequences. No, that would be too simple! There must be a "carrot" if you will, dangling out in front of the proverbial donkey, to keep him moving onward toward what he desires.
At the moment, the carrot is the Lego kit, "Crystal Sweeper" from the Power Miners Lego line of products. My mom bought it for him (You won't see me spending $70 hard-earned greenbacks on a toy of 474 pieces.)
The goal was simple: 10 demerit-free days and the Crystal Sweeper is yours!
The "Sweeper" was purchased October 29th. It is November 19th and we are still not there. However....we are at a momentous check-point. (Drum roll, please) 1 more demerit-free day and we are there!!!!
He is VERY excited. I am very excited. I don't want to hear "Crystal Sweeper" ever again after tomorrow.
I can't help but think of Monday, when the current carrot has been devoured, and we are in need of a new one.