Letting him fail... yikes

How I picture him studying

Final week just before Christmas break is a very difficult time of the year for my high school sophmore. How do you study when everyone is having Christmas parties and enjoying all the christmas events?  Easy, I don't let him go... Esh

So he hides in his room and says he's studying... Music is playing he's singing, laughing and talking to friends... This is not my definition of studying.   How do I motivate this kid?  He's too old to make him read to me and sit at the kitchen table so I can watch him do homework while I make dinner.   or is he?..

"Hey kid, why don't you come down here so I can see what you are studying?"
----no answer

"Hello? what are you working on?
--- stuff
--- Hey did you get me a snow jacket for Christmas 'cause Dad got me pants... 

"I'm not telling you... are you studying? "...
--- no but I just sent you the kind of jacket I want. 

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What it really looks like...

" Can I see the study guide for the final... did you finish?  
--- naw, it's easy i got this... 

"Oh, I don't think so but If you insist on avoiding me I'll remind you of the deal"
--- argh.... you are SOOOO annoying


I fully expect him to fight back. All his friends older with cars and some have jobs with parents that don't agree with me.  I have such a hard time saying no to him, he's my baby. He is such a good, thoughtful, caring kid that I don't understand why he doesn't care about this. 

Here's the deal: (which I will now print out and put on the Fridge so all can see!"

Earn Money for TEST grades:  90%+ = $20, 80%+ = $10, 70%+ = $0, 0-69% = -$5 (you owe me)
Priviledges of Grades 80% or above;
- 2 activities in a week on a school night
- Driving lessons (if maintained for a month)
- Borrow keys to car, once you have a license. 
All priviledges are revoked if you have less than a B average, "No Bs no Keys" 

So he failed his finals, only passed one of the finals over 60%.  Now he leaves for his dad's place in Colorado so I have to wait to impose restrictions....  GAWDDDD parenting stinks.. 

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