How can I get my 9 yr. old to stay focused and use her time wisely. She is a straight A student but it takes for ever to complete her homework. She is extremely slow at everything she does, and we are constantly telling her to hurry up. Nothing has seemed to help or motivate her. I hate to see her spend this much time in the evening on work, I would like for her to enjoy her evenings. We're active in 4-H and softball but this is dampering all of our family activites also. Please help!
2006-09-07 06:41:57 · 9 answers · asked by concerned 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
As long as she's doing her homework and doing so well in school, there shouldn't be a problem. If it doesn't bother her to spend that long doing her homework (and whatever else she's 'slow' at), why should it bother you?
People zip around too quickly now. It isn't fair to hurry her (plus, it could lead to her slinging down answers whether they're correct or not) just because you want her to do another activity. If she's sticking with her homework until it's done, it sounds like she's motivated plenty. Be thankful that she's the kind of child who actually does her homework and doesn't goof off until she has to be held back a grade. Let her take her time!
2006-09-07 06:55:16 · answer #1 · answered by ChiChi 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think it's great she's focusing on her homework. These are great skills (to be focused, complete everything, Get As) to learn EARLY in on in life... and hopefully you'll see these skills and results for years to come!
If it is really interefering that much and you really do have to tell her to "hurry up", I would really recommend you sit down with her to help her. Having a parent to assist and to keep her constantly on track would be of great help and speed up the process. That way, you can all enjoy family time later. Also, I would see where she is doing her homework. Is it in front of the tv? Is it on the computer where maybe Internet access or Instant messenger is a distraction? Is it with another kid (friend, sibling) where they're having fun instead of doing hw?
It's hard to walk the line between telling her to hurry up but to finish completely. I think I would try to take away most of the distractions (Tv, Internet, Friends) to help her finish quickly. I would also try to assist her. Maybe she's going slow because it takes her longer to learn by herself. If she's just slow and being slow about it on purpose, maybe she doesn't want to participate in 4-H or softball. Does she enjoy these family activities? Maybe she'd rather do something else instead. If she does enjoy these activities, threaten to take them away from her if she doesn't finish homework by a certain time every night.
Good luck!
2006-09-07 13:50:39 · answer #2 · answered by Leigh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please do not rush her. That's why she is a straight A student. She takes her time. She will get faster as she gets older. She might have ADD
tendencies. Is there someway you can create a
study corner where you can put up a tri-fold
screen the blocks most of the room. This could help
her stay focused and she might get done faster.
Reduce any noise that could cause a distraction
as well. ( like no t.v. on) Perhaps you could
find a small radio and turn it to an easy-listening
station and keep it low. This will block out other
sounds that might distract her.
2006-09-07 14:04:05 · answer #3 · answered by Precious Gem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 9 yr. old son is the same way,very smart but it takes awhile to get him going. I have him sit at the table and have it quiet for him. I also make sure he has had a snack, it seems to help. I sit with him, reading or something, so I can help or keep after him if need be. It didn't seem to do much good if I constantly told him to hurry, it just frustrated him more. Taking small breaks in between helps, too.
2006-09-07 13:49:27 · answer #4 · answered by lisa s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's too much time for homework. I suppose the TV is off and she has a quiet place to study... If she seems especially distracted you might consider a touch of ADD, but it doesn't sound that way to me... Some people just take a long time. Does she get in trouble in school for working slowly, or is it just at home? Maybe she doesn't want to be involved in all those after-school activities and this is her way of getting out of them.
2006-09-07 13:48:52 · answer #5 · answered by applebetty34 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's tough. But her thoroughness can be an asset. She may be a contracts officer or some such. She could be a star at that sort of job.
Maybe she's an introvert and happy w/ what she's doing. So she IS enjoying her evenings.
Maybe you can leave her at home some nites while you do other things.
2006-09-07 13:46:29 · answer #6 · answered by Iridium190 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wish I could have a answer my daughter was like that.I get a phone call and she be out the door
2006-09-07 14:00:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give her a time limit. If she is not finished in that time start taking away privileges .
2006-09-07 14:16:52 · answer #8 · answered by Miss Missy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Homework sucks !!!!!
My son never ever did his...he now has a diploma
2006-09-07 13:45:15 · answer #9 · answered by a cottage by the sea 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋