Same conversation, different point:

The Youngest wanted to know why I do not subscribe to the "virtual campus" that is offered at all county schools. My answer was simple: You should be the one to tell me how you are doing in school. I regularly email & receive communication from a great deal of your teachers as far as projects and behavior in class. I don't need to spy on your grades.

This is not to say that I don't think these ideas are wonderful, especially for students who are having a hard time academically. It can be a wonderful tool for students and parents to catch a problem and remedy the situation promptly. --thus ends my disclaimer!

Academics has not YET been a problem with the youngest. HERE IS THE POINT: I want to keep the lines of communication open with the youngest and teach him responsibility at the same time. It is his responsibility to inform me of how he is doing in school, if he needs help he knows how to ask, if he does well he knows that I will be there with many congratulatory statements. How can I expect him to be responsible for the work if I do not respect that responsibility enough to allow him the opportunity to stand up and say "I did ________", or "I need ______"? I do not punish for poor achievement! I will, however, punish if I am blindsided with poor grades, not because the grades were less than desired but because he did not live up to his end of the bargain and ask for help. The youngest tends to blossom when given responsibilities, goals and deadlines. I need to give him that space.