Hand out C-minuses like they are candy. No one will feel like a "failure," yet they won't be able to get anything that should go to more deserving students. I was pleased to get a C- in Organic Chemistry until I found that was the lowest grade the professor gave because he didn't want to cause any suicides.

She's right...It's not his fault. It's her fault. Seriously, she needs to let him figure out for himself that he has to earn good grades by working hard for them. What a helicopter.

Demand that he try a little harder and earn his grades rather than lying and being lazy!

This is why kids today are getting dumber and doing whatever the hell they want. Everything is GIVEN to them. They earn sweet **** all. I mean, I'm 19, I can be childish, but I don't expect things to be just served to me, as it should be because I'm an adult. My best friend, hiowever, is 16, underprivilaged, a drop-out, and he's getting himself his own education now with no help because he knows he has to do it himself. His girlfriend is 17, and is the most spoiled, stupid cow I've ever come across. She refuses to get an education due to sheer laziness. She won't even make her own ******* cup of tea. Kids have to stop being babied by their parents and shown this world is a hard, motherfucking bitch of a place to live, it's tough, you have to be able to look after yourself and not depend on mommy and daddy to do everything for you. Sorry about the rant, this sort of thing really grinds my gears. Sorry you have to deal with that shit OP, do NOT listen to that woman.

it'd be nice if these parents realized the kids would get better self-esteem through a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

I think it's more about her own self esteem issues.

Please tell me you didn't give in to that foolishness. I agree with the people saying it's the mother's fault, and the kid's own fault, for his grades. Kids have to actually apply themselves and earn their grades, not have them handed out to them. Some teachers give certain kids special treatment, especially athletes, which I think is beyond infuriating. If the kid earns the grade, great; if not, give them what they DID earn. Don't give in, OP!

He probably has a learning disability and gets distracted easily... Listen just try to help the student no matter how disruptive he is you can't give up on him.

He probably doesn't bother paying attention because he knows his mom will storm in and demand better grades for him no matter what.

Ugh I would hate being a teacher in this day and age. Whiny useless kids. And you can't discipline them. Bring back the beating them with rulers