(no subject)

[shadesong]

Just a codicil to yesterday's Elayna's-homework rants... I wanted to clarify that at no point did I actually call the kid lazy, or say that word in her hearing. I don't want her self-identifying as lazy...

Comments

[mister-wolf.livejournal.com]

That's good. And represents a lot of self control.

[melintur.livejournal.com]

I think the hardest thing for smart people to do is to *have* to do something they know is unnecessary.

I had the same problem with homework as a child, and My parents did not force me to do it, hence my problems with procrastination.

I think if you can successfully nip this in the bud, it will do Elayna a world of good.

[crackerbob.livejournal.com]

My thoughts exactly. My only complaint to my parents when it comes to school is I really wish they had pushed me harder and rode my ass about stuff.

I developed an attitude of "as long as I pass"; so I would slack on homework and just kick ass on the tests.

It's a very hard habit to break and I'm still working on it.

[bookofnights.livejournal.com]

I hestitated to bring this up, but I figure what the heck? If it doesn't work for you, you can always ignore it :)

We used to have the same 2 hour long dramas with Michael, complete with crying, yelling and torn paper. I knew that he could do his homework and that it wasn't too hard, but getting him to do it was incredible.

The solution is weird, but it works (for us, anyway).

We got out a timer, and set it for 15 minutes. (Michael is 8, if your daughter is older you might want to try 20 minutes). He has to do his homework for 15 minutes. Then he gets a 15 minute break (no tv, just reading or playing in his room). Then back to homework for 15 minutes. Repeat until the homework was done.

Homework that used to take 2 hours, now takes about 15 minutes. (Once in a while he needs a second 15 minute chunk). I think the "light at the end of the tunnel" really helps him to do the work, instead of fretting about how much work he needs to do. It's made our afternoons less stressful, Michael gets his homework done, and he's learning good study habits, too. (I also found that it's more effective if Michael sets the timer for 15 minutes, instead of us setting the timer.)

It also helps him organize his homework. For example, instead of trying to just sit down and write his book report, first he creates his outline/brainstorms, and then he writes it. I know this will be a huge help when he starts doing bigger reports.

If you're willing to try it, I hope it works for you.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

That's actually a great idea - we'll have to get a timer! :) Thanks!