Not a Dramatization

A week ago, I gave out progress reports. Three students were getting Fs. The parents of one student contacted me. Here is a transcript of the conversation:

Parents: "We saw that J is getting an F, and are very worried. We understand that he is not doing his work, but would you please let us know what he is missing and whether or not he can make anything up?" (note: all parents received a letter from me at the beginning of the year stating my late work policy - students can turn in late work up to the last day of the semseter, for half credit - and every time I notice a student has not done an assignment I remind them of this policy."

Me: (After informing parents of late work policy) "From an analysis of his grade and work, it looks like while J turns in every in-class assignment, he has never turned in one assignment or project that requires time outside of class. He does not turn in homework and does not complete projects, unless time is given in class for him to complete them."

Parents: "We understnad this. The problem is that we just can't get him to do work outside of class. Is there anything else that he can do?"

Aside from the obvious lack of logic in this question (what else are they suggesting that I have him do, if he won't do work outside of class? I mean, I can't give him extra work since he presumably won't do it....but really what did they expect?), since when did 15 year olds start parenting themselves? Since when did the child start telling the parent what he/she will and will not do? That's a rhetorical question I guess, but still?!?! WTF?????