Mentor R had a LONG discussion with Younger Boy today.  His behavior has been out of control.  He isn't doing homework.  He isn't following directions.  He is being destructive at home.  He is being disrespectful at every possible opportunity.  He is being stubborn about a whole lot of things.  He is stealing and he is lying.

Mentor R took him to dinner to talk about the behaviors I had told him about.  Younger Boy took the opportunity to either lie or present partial truths.  Part way through the conversation Mentor R called me to see if they could come home and all three of us talk.  When he was talking to me Younger Boy just started crying.  He knew he was in deep.

We talked for a couple of hours.  Younger Boy did a good job of confessing all of the behavior issues he has been having until we got to homework.

I had gotten an email from his teacher telling me that he had a book report due a week ago and he told her it was finished at home.  I was 99% sure that wasn't the case, but I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.  I shared the information with Mentor R.  We asked him to go get the report.  He brought us a blank piece of notebook paper.  We were both speechless.  Finally Younger Boy said "it is the paper I am going to write the book report on".  What?  It was kind of hard not to laugh at the absurdity of it.

We talked about lying.  We talked about disrespect.  We talked about how he seems to seek negative attention....A LOT.  We talked about how positive attention would be way more fun for EVERYONE involved.

We explained that he doesn't have to be perfect, but he needs to make an effort.  He needs to be trustworthy.  It is about his character.

Praises for Mentor R taking the time and loving him enough to talk real with him.

Prayers it will eventually sink in.  Hopefully sooner than later.