Is it a Mortal Sin when homeschooled teenager consistently refuses to do his schoolwork

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I’m a homeschooling mom of seven kids. My oldest son (15 yrs old) recently (3 weeks ago) started refusing to do ANY schoolwork whatsoever. His only explanation is that the work is uninteresting and he "doesn’t feel like it " When I have offered my help, he just sits there and stares at me. He isn’t complaining or yelling, he just sits there for the whole duration of the school day literally doing nothing.
The very odd thing is is that he has gone to Confession on his own( has gone twice since his hiatus from school work) but seems to have no scruples when it comes to disobeying his parents when it comes to this insubordination. We have taken away all privileges from him ( no TV, no computer, no playing, etc). And he still does his chores.
I wanted to know if this persistent act of disobedience qualifies as a Mortal Sin because it is perpetual and he is being a bad example to his younger siblings.
 
I am 15 and homeschooled, and I would regard it as serious sin to do this.
 
Has your hubby tried talking to him?
Could be depression, could be end-of-school-year-itis, could be adolescents yim-yams.

Or maybe ask him what he wants to learn and pursue that.
 
My husband has tried multiple times to speak with him to no avail. His responses to our question,: " Would you prefer a different kind of schooling?" is No.
 
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That is interesting. I wonder why he refuses. What does he want to do in the future. How does he expect to be able to get a job and support himself if he can’t finish high school?
 
Maybe instead of focusing on if this is a sin, it would be better to focus on why he is so unhappy. Maybe a therapist could help get to the bottom of it?
 
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Sounds like he is plainly rebelling against you. If he is religious, you could remind him that he must honor his father and mother. Otherwise, the only thing you haven’t mentioned yet is pray. Prayer is extremely powerful.
 
I would ask him what his plan is. If he thinks the work is boring or too easy, what does he plan on doing to change that. Explain that doing nothing is not an option. So either he does the work, or he would be off to regular school.
 
As others have noticed, whether or not he’s in a state of mortal sin will depend on the context of his refusal and his motivations, which he’ll need to sort through with his priest.

Is he defiant in his refusal to do his work? Is he defiant in other areas? I normally don’t advocate for any kind of whip-cracking ultimatums, (“Get to work, or you’re going to Dread Public School/Summer School, etc.!”), until everything else is ruled out.

For example, is he struggling with math or reading assignments and too proud to tell his own mother? You could consider enrolling him in a Catholic program like Seton or Homeschool Connections, where there’s an online tutor or mentor - that might feel less threatening than working with Mom, lol!

Has he been evaluated for any conditions that might impede on his learning? Dyslexia, auditory or sight disorders, ADHD, depression . . . there are a whole lot of factors that can get in the way of learning.

What is your homeschooling approach or philosophy? With summertime looming, could you unschool through the end of the academic year? My homeschooled children are currently doing unit studies on the topic of their choice. They’re passionate about what they’re learning, and it’s a great way to keep them engage during this typical “burn out” time of the year.
 
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Not a Mortal Sin … but possibly mortally dangerous … depending upon how violent the homeschoolers’ parents or teacher become.

If the “student” is made to run, (regardless of the motivation) at least physical fitness norms may be met.
 
Has something happened or been said to him recently that he could have anger, sadness or guilt over?
 
In his case, he would need to know it is a mortal sin - full knowledge. Does he know this?
While it would appear he is willfully disobeying you - and he might be - unless he explains his reasons you can’t know for certain.
Objectively disobeying parents in such a serious matter (education), and as the parent is also the teacher (would there be repercussions if in a public school a student refused to participate in classes?)

So IMO, it is objectively grave matter - I’m sure you’re aware of the other two parts for something to be a mortal sin for an individual.

You say he has been to confession - perhaps he obtained counsel during confession if he asked about this. That is between him and the confessor and not for anyone else to know unless he chooses to say.

Is he setting a bad example, yes he is. Have you instructed him about what Scandal is? I would venture to say, he does not fully realise the implications of his actions and the flow on of its’ effects. He could possibly see his actions as not impacting others.

Sounds to me like it is a battle of wills. “I’m a young adult. I’m not a kid anymore!” Perhaps he is trying to assert some control over his own life, and maybe even subconsciously is wanting to be treated with respect as he thinks he should be. Maybe he is trying to say, he should have control and decided for himself what he does and doesn’t do.

I went through a similar thing with my oldest when they were 14, though his was in relation to chores and treatment of sibling - behaviour at home.

Perhaps as someone else suggested, maybe counselling would help? And prayers!!
 
Do you know if anything specific happened in his life about 3 weeks ago? If this is the first time he has exhibited this behavior, I’d look into something that happened outside of schooling.

Or, he could be going through a rebellious phase. Quite normal at 15. Search as best you can for the reasons before deciding on a response. It’s really a rough age!
 
First, patience. Do not let frustration take the best of you. Second, let him own the consequences of his choices. I would go out with the family for some enjoyable time from which he is excluded. A lesson in consequences.
 
Not sure what is meant by: mortally dangerous; my husband and I don’t use corporal punishment, we simply remove his privileges and make him sit down at the table with his work during school hours.
We are enrolled in Seton, but he didn’t seem interested in talking with anyone there or with a priest.

We have reminded our son that without a high school education, he is going to be extremely hard pressed to find work that will support him adequately as an adult.

And prayer is employed.
 
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Thank you for the reminder; I have to say that when I thought of the possible hurdles I might have to face as a parent, this what not one of them .
 
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This does appear to be a transgression of the Fourth Commandment; whether it is mortal depends on whether he is aware that he is showing contempt for God’s command. Yet, do not judge him without letting him speak in his defense, for it may very well be that he is genuinely getting nothing out of the lessons on account of being far too easy for him.
 
I really appreciate the (name removed by moderator)ut and suggestions and especially prayers you all have offered; my son is a very difficult person to read. He has always been one to ask many questions and respond very little to questions asked of him.
We have spoken to him at length about the importance of obedience, not only to ones own parents but also to others who have authority. He gives no defense to his refusal to do his school other than he doesn’t “feel like doing it”.

He says he has No intention of doing anymore school ever but when asked what his plans are for the future, he has none.

I suppose a novena is called for here ( perhaps several…).
 
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Does he want to go to a public or private school with other kids?
 
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