Dear Will,

Consider the power of negotiation. There may be a way for both you and your mom to get what you want by making some compromises. Try following these steps:

1.    Figure out what it will take to improve your grades. Is it just motivation? Would a tutor help? Talk to your teachers and find out exactly what you need to do in each of your classes to improve your grade.
2.    Now you’re ready to develop a plan. Try to include details of exactly what you have to do each week for the next few months to reach your goals.
3.    Once you’re comfortable with your plan, share it with your mom.
4.    Then it’s time to try and negotiate with your mom. Tell her that it would really help your motivation if she would let you get a part-time job after you’ve shown her some effort in school based on the plan that you developed.
5.    Let her know that, if the job seems to be interfering with your schoolwork, you’ll quit the job.
6.    Work out the details together and add them to your final plan, so that you and your mom are both satisfied.
7.    Put your plan in writing and, to make it official, both you and your mom should sign it.
8.    Agree to periodically check in with each other to see how your plan is working, and make agreed-upon changes as needed.

The more you practice negotiating and compromising with your parents, as well as following through on what you agreed upon, the more they will trust you to make good decisions for yourself.