That’s one heck of a schedule.  The thing I’d worry about is if work/sports start becoming more important than the homework.

I keep a close eye on the homework. He seems to be managing. I’ll see how the grades are at mid-term before I completely put my foot down. Right now I’m more concerned about him burning out by Thanksgiving. His Dad was a little disturbed last night, too, when he called and heard the lad was at work. I think he will also talk with Ian and tell him something has got to give. No one can keep up that kind of schedule for long. Working on weekends is okay. During the week? I don’t think it’s a good idea. The coach already demands enough of his time.

As for the volunteer service? It can wait until summer. Or something.

And the guidance counselor can go fly a kite. 

Particularly if it’s a kite with the name of a charity emblazoned all over it. ;)

WOW!! .. that’s one crammed schedule, and I think you’re right, and the “work during the week” .... weekends are fine for gainfull employment ....

Time management will be his best friend before he knows it

It is a grueling schedule and having been there, done that, I can only offer this advice...(1) you are right, give up the job during the week and only work on weekends, definitely--cause something will have to give and this is the easiest to do now. (2) as long as HE wants to do these things and clearly he does, then I would just sit back and watch and see what happens.  My older son who did similar things for all his high school AND college years handled it all just fine because HE wanted to do them.  He was a good student, an excellent athlete--hockey and soccer--had time for a social life and worked some as well. He got mono in the spring of his senior year in high school--not terribly unexpected, it was making the rounds--and because his spleen was enlarged, had to take a couple weeks off from sports--his comment at the time was, ‘this is the first time in 4 years I have had time off from sports.’ And it was because he played year round (again by choice).  Younger son, however, could never have handled it all at the same time...he either had to cut back on one or the other and unfortunately, he tended to cut back on the schoolwork....and that’s a story for another day and time!!

Bottom line, if Ian really wants all of this, then he can most likely handle it.  Sometimes the busier they are doing the “good” stuff, the better everything else goes along.  Just continue being there for him as you always are!!

Oy. What a day. The last thing I ever thought I’d be having fights about with my teenager is his RIGHT TO WORK!  During the week. Why not? I can do it. You don’t understand.

I threw up my hands. I will step in to avert disaster, but this is his baby and he will have to discover his own limits. No amount of talking and foot stomping is going to convince him that he is not superman. Maybe I don’t understand, but I think I might. Having been there and done that a time or two.

I also remember being a teenager and knowing that no one understood my point of view. Sigh.