Parent's contract might not be enforceable
The contract you made your son sign says: "I'll polish your work so you can get into a good school. But then you'll have to guarantee that you'll learn how to polish your own work." You haven't offered any tools for him to fulfill his part of the contract.
Your son should succeed in college -- or not -- on his own. Given the level of your involvement so far, he could face a shock when he gets to college. Many students do, but they rise to the occasion through developing study strategies, visiting the writing center or asking professors for help.
It can be very hard for an involved parent to disengage, and yet, you must. (When I was pushing one of my daughters to attend a specific university, she snapped: "If you like it so much, why don't you go there?")
Lower the heat on this exercise. If your local community college offers a summer English or writing course, encourage him to take it. Also encourage him to read, read, read.
Liberation from your anxious gaze and judgment could unleash this young writer -- once he leaves home.
Dear Amy: My accomplished and gorgeous friend is going through her second divorce.
She has two small children.
Everyone who loves her supports her decision to divorce wholeheartedly, as her second husband was abusive and she stayed in the marriage much longer than was healthy.
However, during this difficult time she became involved with a married work supervisor. It was all predictable: He said his marriage was in name only; he was planning to divorce, etc.
Several months later, he is still married and living with his wife, and the only prospect he offers is that someday he will separate, but won't ever divorce her legally because of all the property they share.
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