JumpStart by Robb Armstrong for January 31, 2023

That was clever and I respect it. Jojo either didn’t realize they were bluffing or just as easily, as he’s a smart kid, realized that he’s better off calling their bluff when it’s one they can resonably pull off guilt free

I don’t like it. To make a kid think he’d be left behind if he didn’t do well in school…

A little underhanded motivation, huh, Joe and Marcy?

He’s earned it, which also helps his self-esteem!

Now that’s motivation.

And, of course, children USED to be left behind when they didn’t do well in school. Does that happen anymore or do children just get pushed along no matter how poorly they do or how much they need help?

Marcy’s stepdad is Marcus’ dad, right? So her mom would go to the wedding. But there is no reason for Joe’s parents to go to the wedding so the kids could stay with them for a few days.

Incentive.

Why a window seat?You can’t see nuthin’ but clouds.

Will Jumba and Pleakly be at the wedding?

The younger of my two brothers was a year ahead of me in school and his grades were always abysmal (in his defense, we are both dyslexic and when teachers told him he was stupid he accepted it whereas I am a bit more stubborn and refuse to let anyone else tell me what I can and can’t do). My mother told him if he didn’t bring up his grades, he would end up in the same grade as his little sister. He barely scraped by each year until we were both in high school. He then signed up for all the same classes as me and had me do all his reports and homework. He said he should have failed years ago so he could have me do all his work all along. He finally at the age of 36 decided he wanted to be a nurse and took chemistry as his first course (I had my BS by then). He also finally learned to read by having me read the textbook to him while he followed along and graduated nursing school with straight A’s.

The trick worked for me and my brothers and it continues to work. “You can’t go to the beach if you’re in summer school” is what mom used to say to me and my brothers. It worked 90% of the time.

Better make sure he doesn’t drink too much liquids on the flight, or he’ll be passing in front of you constantly!