256 The Explosive Childother problem. I don’t want to give up on Jimmy
and writing. I know it’s hard for him, and we’re
doing the keyboarding at school, but I don’t want
him to think he never has to write.
Mother: I agree.
Teacher: OK, let’s put our heads together and think
about what we can do about this. I’m wondering
if we should have Jimmy be part of the discussion
so we’re sure we’ve got a solution that
everyone’s OK with. What do you think?
Mother: Sounds good to me.What’s the solution to the writing problem? There
are dozens of possibilities. The most important thing to
remember is that durable solutions are those that are
realistic, doable, and mutually satisfactory. And that some-
times the problem doesn’t get solved with the first solu-
tion.
Emergency Plan B is an option as well, but one you
don’t want to rely on too often:
Rickey (age thirteen): I’m not working on this
assignment right now.
Teacher: Well, then your grade will reflect both your
attitude and your lack of effort.
Rickey: I don’t give a damn about my grades, man. I
can’t do this crap.