One of the best things about this comic strip is how the author is not afraid to show both the procrastination of the son and the ineffective parenting that goes right long with it. Why is Elly letting Michael watch TV or leave the house or read comic books if he hasn’t studied yet? He knows this is a just a routine. “Mom yells, I reply, and the conversation is over until tomorrow when the same thing happens again.”
Michael is so much like me when I was in school. And that’s why my grades weren’t so great. If I could go back and do it over I’d study and get good grades. Of course to tell him this would go in one ear and out the other.
Back the children would argue for 3 hours about doing 45 minutes of homework. Now they have a lot more homework. Or should I say “test preparation” instead? And parents don’t want to get involved anyway.
In Elementary school, I had a book report due. I had to make a diorama of a scene from a book I read. One Sunday evening, I walked up to my parents, who were watching TV. I asked if they could help me. My dad asked, “When is it due?” I said, “Tomorrow.” He asked, “When did you know about it?” I told him; it was a couple of weeks ago. He said, “You got yourself into this situation, you get yourself out.” That was the LAST time I EVER procrastinated (and I did squeak by with a B).
My Dad and my teacher conspired against me. They picked a girl who shared my class schedule to call my Dad every evening with the homework assignments. Snitch! I never did thank her for that. Renee, if you are out there, I can’t tell you what a difference you made. You and Mrs. Shourd forced me to learn how to organize my thoughts. Not to complete my projects, but my clutter is— is —
Well, if he even passes, that means he is pretty smart right? Didn’t have to study all weekend, spent 20 minutes skimming the material and still passed the test. Pretty impressive.
I’m going to be the dissenter here. Children don’t all learn the same way. Some are visual learners, some do better with hands on techniques, some need more intensive help, and some seem to do very well when left alone. I was one of the latter. I did not do well when I studied, but left to my own devises, I made straight A’s. I graduated high school with a 4.0 (in the 80’s, 4.0 was the very best you could do at our school) and shared Valedictorian status with another student. Forcing a child to study may do more harm than good.
In high school I always got 80’s and 90’s and never did any home work except on the bus to and from school. Admittedly the bus ride was over an hour each way so I did have a fair bit of time to study, tutor others etc. on the bus. Went to university. Started the year doing my work ahead of time, essays done a week before due dates, etc. everything a good student is supposed to do. Got mid 70’ on the essays and such. Got behind with 4 essays due in 2 days. Had to write them the last one the morning it was due. I was a morning person so I set my alarm for 4 am, the class was at 9 am. I had done the research and had notes for what quotes I wanted to use, so I just had to write it. Finished with just enough time to get to class. Apparently I did my best work under pressure with no time to revise anything. . That paper got me an 89. I still think doing the work and studying the “proper” way was what prevented me from getting into the graduate program I wanted as I missed the grade cut-off for acceptance by 0.1 %. Every student is different and must learn the best study strategiesthat work for them.
The problem is, like most parents, she’s asking him when she should be telling him. Children have too many options. Parents should be parents, not negotiators.
I as grandpa help my grandchild one time with home work when he came home from school ask how he made out he said that the teacher told him to ask his mother from now on
In summer school after 6th grade I took typing and music. I typed up the day’s notes for every class after I got home from school and re-read them that night and re-read the week’s notes every weekend, along with nightly homework and/or project/report work. Straight A’s through med school and still able to spend time reading comics and comix and watching TV when I wanted. Retired before 55 and living the good life. It’s your choice. YMMV
Templo S.U.D. over 5 years ago
I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end. (The Book of Mormon, Alma 34:33)
Enter.Name.Here over 5 years ago
Do not put off until tomorrow what you should have done yesterday…
howtheduck over 5 years ago
One of the best things about this comic strip is how the author is not afraid to show both the procrastination of the son and the ineffective parenting that goes right long with it. Why is Elly letting Michael watch TV or leave the house or read comic books if he hasn’t studied yet? He knows this is a just a routine. “Mom yells, I reply, and the conversation is over until tomorrow when the same thing happens again.”
Macushlalondra over 5 years ago
Michael is so much like me when I was in school. And that’s why my grades weren’t so great. If I could go back and do it over I’d study and get good grades. Of course to tell him this would go in one ear and out the other.
Display over 5 years ago
Back the children would argue for 3 hours about doing 45 minutes of homework. Now they have a lot more homework. Or should I say “test preparation” instead? And parents don’t want to get involved anyway.
PoochFan over 5 years ago
He might also have a study hall before his test.
asrialfeeple over 5 years ago
“Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow” Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, Macbeth
Wren Fahel over 5 years ago
In Elementary school, I had a book report due. I had to make a diorama of a scene from a book I read. One Sunday evening, I walked up to my parents, who were watching TV. I asked if they could help me. My dad asked, “When is it due?” I said, “Tomorrow.” He asked, “When did you know about it?” I told him; it was a couple of weeks ago. He said, “You got yourself into this situation, you get yourself out.” That was the LAST time I EVER procrastinated (and I did squeak by with a B).
IndyMan over 5 years ago
I don’t remember doing any extra studying for tests just doing the normal day to day homework.
e.groves over 5 years ago
I don’t miss those good old days.
fuzzbucket Premium Member over 5 years ago
My Dad and my teacher conspired against me. They picked a girl who shared my class schedule to call my Dad every evening with the homework assignments. Snitch! I never did thank her for that. Renee, if you are out there, I can’t tell you what a difference you made. You and Mrs. Shourd forced me to learn how to organize my thoughts. Not to complete my projects, but my clutter is— is —
The Pro from Dover over 5 years ago
scottartist creator over 5 years ago
The lights are never with you. They’re all red when you’re in a hurry, and all green when you need to delay.
Conniecoop over 5 years ago
Education is wasted on the young.
8ec23d5228da33aa2115003c92d0fe83 over 5 years ago
I loved school. Back then it was a safe haven. Plus, you got positive feedback, no chores and no brothers or sisters to pick on you.
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member over 5 years ago
Well, if he even passes, that means he is pretty smart right? Didn’t have to study all weekend, spent 20 minutes skimming the material and still passed the test. Pretty impressive.
DCBakerEsq over 5 years ago
Oddly enough, good grade in school do not guarantee success in life. It’s the LEARNING that matters. Now, I’ll step down from my soap box.
myrendal over 5 years ago
I’m going to be the dissenter here. Children don’t all learn the same way. Some are visual learners, some do better with hands on techniques, some need more intensive help, and some seem to do very well when left alone. I was one of the latter. I did not do well when I studied, but left to my own devises, I made straight A’s. I graduated high school with a 4.0 (in the 80’s, 4.0 was the very best you could do at our school) and shared Valedictorian status with another student. Forcing a child to study may do more harm than good.
theincrediblebulk over 5 years ago
In high school I always got 80’s and 90’s and never did any home work except on the bus to and from school. Admittedly the bus ride was over an hour each way so I did have a fair bit of time to study, tutor others etc. on the bus. Went to university. Started the year doing my work ahead of time, essays done a week before due dates, etc. everything a good student is supposed to do. Got mid 70’ on the essays and such. Got behind with 4 essays due in 2 days. Had to write them the last one the morning it was due. I was a morning person so I set my alarm for 4 am, the class was at 9 am. I had done the research and had notes for what quotes I wanted to use, so I just had to write it. Finished with just enough time to get to class. Apparently I did my best work under pressure with no time to revise anything. . That paper got me an 89. I still think doing the work and studying the “proper” way was what prevented me from getting into the graduate program I wanted as I missed the grade cut-off for acceptance by 0.1 %. Every student is different and must learn the best study strategiesthat work for them.
hellokate over 5 years ago
The problem is, like most parents, she’s asking him when she should be telling him. Children have too many options. Parents should be parents, not negotiators.
Train 1911 over 5 years ago
I as grandpa help my grandchild one time with home work when he came home from school ask how he made out he said that the teacher told him to ask his mother from now on
Fiammata over 5 years ago
Rude boy.
Teto85 Premium Member over 5 years ago
In summer school after 6th grade I took typing and music. I typed up the day’s notes for every class after I got home from school and re-read them that night and re-read the week’s notes every weekend, along with nightly homework and/or project/report work. Straight A’s through med school and still able to spend time reading comics and comix and watching TV when I wanted. Retired before 55 and living the good life. It’s your choice. YMMV
Petemejia77 over 5 years ago
This was a “You Can’t Do that on Television” joke. A crass 80s Canadian kids show on Nickelodeon.