How should I discipline my son?

It sounds like he is having some other issue. I would not recommend spanking - it might make you feel better, but it is no long-term solution. No kid chooses to be this miserable, and I would bet that if he could be successful, he would choose to do so. So, logically, it seems that there must be some other issue.

Start by talking to the school counselor, principal, and teacher. Discuss your concerns, and listen to what they have to say. Then you will want to talk to his doctor about counseling to see if there is some emotional problem or learning disability that is making it more difficult for him. There are many things which could cause this kind of behavior, and none of them are anything that spanking will help with.

I had undiagnosed ADD when I was a kid, and I thought I was insane because I couldn't do my work. I didn't know how to explain it to my parents or teachers, and my parents were unable to figure out how to help me. I didn't know what was wrong with me until after I graduated college (I managed to make it through because I was smart enough to cope, but it was hard). I'm not saying that this is what is wrong with your son. But don't despair. Seek help somewhere other than Yahoo Answers. Seek professional help. And good luck!

You need to discuss this with him and his teacher together. You might also later have to speak to the teacher again alone in-person to assure you are on the same page. You will have to also iron out the things that he is getting upset about. Emphasize what could happen to his life in the long run, from suspensions, to being held back, to having no source of income, etc. Point out that others in school are doing what they have to do. One thing is to keep a record of his homework each night, and then see that he does it, and is ready to present it to the teacher the next morning. You may have to sign something for the teacher also. But this needs a lot of discussion among the 3 of you to get it organized and make it work. The teacher should be able to assess some of what he's going thru if she's had experience with other students. Both you and the teacher need to encourage his cooperation and tell him of the upcoming meetings that will try to help him. He'll probably come around gradually. It's not totally impossible that you may reach a point where his resistance would mean that you have no choice but to give him a formal spanking. But first give plenty of warnings. Then if he refuses completely to cooperate at all after youve made efforts, tell him that that punishment is a possibility unless he puts forth some kind of effort. I feel sure that he will find it much easier to work on the problem than to take the penalty. But get together with the teacher and see how slowly you can approach this. And she and the school can help you see what his needs are.

Why is your first reaction to punish him. Is it possible maybe he's having trouble at school? Maybe he is finding the work too hard? Maybe he is finding that he is having problems with his teachers or classmates. Punishing him is not going to do anything. If anything it will make him less willing to work hard. Try sitting down with him at night and going through the homework. Offer him a reward for doing his schoolwork 10 days in a row. It should NOT be money or anything materialistic. Try taking him to a movie or out to eat at his favorate resturant. Being smart doesn't always mean being able 2 do everything. Good luck at be blessed

How about stop punishing your son and find out what is actually wrong? At this age a lot of things can discourage a child from working. Is he being teased? Sit down and talk with him about what could be going on.

thats difficult because of course you cant let him get away with not doing as hes told at school, but my biggest concern would be to find out what is upsetting him.the best thing you can do is teach your son to express his emotions, from my experience when kids act out of character and everythings ok at home they usually are being picked on or bullied.

I wonder if he is having an emotional problem of some sort. Try talking to him and see if you can get him to open up. Maybe the kids at school are picking on him or something.

if my son did that he would never know what tv is! i would strip his room of toys, video games, movies, ect. and make him stay in there until his school work is done. then allow him to come out when it is complete. daddy would spank him....