My son, who is only six, refuses and doesn’t go to school anymore! I am a single mom and go to work in the mornings before my children go to school., so I can be there when they get home. I just don’t know what to do. We don’t have any family living where we are at and I can’t quit my job to make sure he goes to school. I’m starting to think I should just let him, and then when he has to repeat the first grade, he is going to regret it. I just can not believe it…he is only six and already skipping school! Any advice? Thank you!
2006-09-12 04:32:17 · 36 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
CLARIFICATION;
LOL.... Evie, unlike alot of people, I read you have CHILDREN (meaning more than one), so I assume the six year old is not listening to the "older" children when it's time to leave for school and it also means you are not leaving him alone, as some people seemed to assume.lol..
"Latch Key Children" as they are reffered to here in the U.S., are common. Parents leave for work shortly before the children leave for school, (so the children latch the door when they leave and normally have a key to let themselves in if they get back home before their parents.)
Now, maybe that will stop anymore slurrs being made at you by others not realizing you are not willing leaving your child alone!
My advice:
Any time he refuses to go to school have your oldest child stay with him and call you at work so you can drive them both to school. Then that afternoon when you get home, Do not allow the six year old to watch T.V., play ANY games, or give him ANY extra treats that you give the other children. Make him set on his bed until dinner, then bathe and go straight to bed after dinner.
If you must leave work to take him to school, escort him to class and explain to the teacher that he is not to have any recesses, until he is willing to go to school without giving any trouble.
If leaving work is not an option, you must hire some one to send him until you get him to do like he is suppose to.
I know things are probably tough on you already being a single parent but things aren't as bad as they're going to be if you don't be firm enough to get the child to mind.
Good Luck and Best Wishes!
2006-09-12 05:37:47 · answer #1 · answered by hope_help 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
For starters you are allowing him to skip. When the truancy officer shows up at your door when he is there alone and you get arrested for child neglect you will regret it. You can't leave a child alone at home or anywhere under the age of 11. I know for sure that if he misses many more days they will show up and the state will take him from you and then you won't have to worry anymore... think about that. I don't mean to sound like a bit.ch but seriously this has happened in a family I know. The state doesn't take this stuff lightly, they will take him. The family I know had their children taken and after they had lived away from the mom for 3 months she petitioned to get them back and the judge said that they were in a stable home and she never got them back and was court ordered to sign over her parental rights. I'm sure you don't want that. In my opinion if you have to leave him make it for after school (that way it would be less likely to be found out about) or get a sitter. Maybe a neighboorhood girl oler than 12 that gets on or off the bus about the same time. You could just pay her a few dollars a week and she would be happy and your family would be together. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, I'm really just trying to help. Best wishes
2006-09-12 04:39:07 · answer #2 · answered by colorist 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My son is 5 and HATES school. I drag him there EVERYDAY, screaming and kicking. I am the mother. He is the child. If he has to repeat first grade, I'm sure he won't care. He won't even comprehend what that means. I've read some good advice in here. You need to tell your employer what is going on. If you don't take him to school, the courts will find fault in YOU, not your son. If you go to jail your job is done anyway. You need to make sure what is important. If you've been at your job for a while then they will understand. My job is very flexible in this way. If you haven't been there long, then leave and find a new one! Your son's education should be far more important!
2006-09-12 05:01:13 · answer #3 · answered by Pimp E 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think I understand the entire picture here. You leave a 6 year old alone to get himself to school in the morning? How old are your other children? Are they truly old enough to take on the responsibility of getting him to school safely? Do you realize that if you don't ensure your child goes to school, you can be arrested on truancy charges and you are doing him a HUGE disservice?
My gut reaction is that you need to do whatever you need to do to get your son safely off to school in the morning. That might mean asking for a different shift or at least some flexibility in when you get in in the morning - maybe you could arrive a little later and work a little later. Also, most school districts have before and after care for kids whose parents work full time. Look into your options. It is NOT an option (it should not be one) to just let your child skip school. Engage your brain a bit, please.
And P.S. I agree with the folks who have said that you also need to help your son with whatever anxiety he's feeling about school. When I was that age, my mom went to school with me in the morning for a week.
2006-09-12 04:37:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your son needs to realize that,one day,when he's working a factory job earning 12 cents an hour,he has to go to school so that he can receive an education and try to get a job doing something that he loves.You can let your son repeat the first grade and regret skipping,but there may be consequences later on down the road.
2006-09-12 04:40:39 · answer #5 · answered by jsimpkinsv2002 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first of all he won't go to school? Umm he's only 6 you are the parent he doesn't have a choice. If you have to make some arrangements to your schedule and take him yourself. Reapeting the first grade isn't gonna make him regret anything he will just skip then, too. You need to understand this is very serious. Tell him how much trouble you will be in and that you will go to jail maybe that will help. Saying "he won't go to school" that doesn't help cause then you are just letting him know that he has options and his making the choice not to go. Be firm! and remember your son's well being and education are more important than your job. don't quit just rearrange your schudel.
2006-09-12 04:38:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
you need to get a hold of this problem right now or its just going to get worse. You do know if you don't make him go to school you can go to jail. What are you doing about it at home? Have you taken all the things he like away, have you grounded him whooped his butt? You are the adult here and you need to make that known. I hope there are other children in the home because you leaving a 6 yr to get himself off to school that is also against the law, child can't be left at home alone legally until the age of 11.
2006-09-12 04:37:10 · answer #7 · answered by daydreambeliever0000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really think you need to get in good communication with his school.
See if they have any free programs for before and after school help.
Explain your problem and see if they can offer any assistance your help.
I believe if you could switch jobs or be there for your child you would.
Like someone else said...maybe take a day off from work and see if you can walk him to school. See the other kids who walk the same way--to the bus or whatever--and ask if an older child can pick your son up. He might be afraid.
Ask a next door neighbor with kids or any neighbor with kids if they can pick your son up.
No matter what time you get up for work in the morning, wake him up, get him ready for school. That way others won't suffer from him not being ready for school in time.
I really feel for you--Good Luck!
2006-09-12 04:57:12 · answer #8 · answered by .vato. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is only six and walking all over you already? Who is the parent here! Whoop that kids *** really good a few times. Also do not let him do ANYTHING besides sit in his bed with no radio or TV every time he does not go to school. You will be the one going to court soon if he continues to skip school. Should be ashamed to let a six your old walk all over you.
2006-09-12 04:36:46 · answer #9 · answered by pws8us 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually your approach is wrong. Your son is suffering from some sort of anxiety about attending school. If this has come on suddenly then he could just be scared. However if this problem has been on going then something greater has been going on. It is common for children to have severe anxiety about this. It is your job as a parent to deal with issue compassionately and with every intent to find out what the problem is. You need to speak to him one on one and if you feel the problem is out of your hands you need to speak to his pediatrician at once he will assess the problem and refer you to a specialist if needed. Leaving your son unattended during the day without supervision is against the law. You are putting the safety of your child at risk. He may regret not going to school but it is your job as a parent to figure out what is going on. Being single is no excuse. If the school system finds out he has missed so many days social services is going to come knocking on your door.
2006-09-12 04:36:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋