Problem Scouts

Speaking as the mother of a problem scout. I think, I can understand both
points of view. Scouting is a positive influence on my son. But, most of
the time he is unmanageable. I have understanding leaders who I work with.
They do their best to help me with my son. When he becomes completely
unruly he is removed. And, when he is not paying attention, he gets no
credit. That makes a definite impression on him. He is actually in a den
where the other parents work with their sons. So, when I told him that
so-and-so was going to get his Bear badge this month...he became motivated
to finish at the same time. Then he realized if he had paid attention
during the den meetings he wouldn't have to redo all that work with mom.
Another thing I've found with my son is that I'm making a video of the
grandkids for my parents. It's a true to life video, he got to see himself
in action. He started crawling under the table from embarassment when he
saw himself throwing a temper tantrum. Isn't technology wonderful?? I can
pop that video in and he understands how others see him...

Children are children. Scouting is for all the children, not just the easy
ones. Good Luck with all your scouts. And, if you need help or ideas, that
is what we are here for. If you have a scout who is a real difficulty, make
sure you get help from other adults. I would say the parent of the child.
But, mine actually behaves worse when I'm around. This may not be the case
with all the children. But, I am the target of my sons misbehavior. I do
show up to all his meetings and lend help. I suggest that you could kindly
suggest the same of any parent of a problem scout. Explain that you want to
keep their son in the unit, but you feel that you need a little extra help
with him. They must know that their son is difficult to handle. And, they
should expect that you would ask for help. They are probably just relieved
that you are not asking to have him leave the unit.

Dee

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