I have a 6th grade who is just plain Lazy!!! He doesnt do his homework and is getting Fs as a result. I took away tv, computer and video games. I just dont know what else to do! There is nothing left to take away. He flat out lies to me about homework-says he doesnt have any.
He is a smart kid, he has a lot of friends, I dont know what the deal is.
2007-02-26 02:43:12 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
As a middle school teacher, my advice is - hang in there and wait it out. Continue to express to your son how disappointed you are and how important good grades and getting an education are. Continue to take away the things that you have already taken away and... wait. By 7th grade, you should see some improvement - seriously, it might take that long. I heard this from parents of 6th graders - especially boys - ALL the TIME!
2007-02-26 06:27:48 · answer #1 · answered by teacher4545 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him down to the local bus station (drive to a larger nearby city if necessary).
Show him the people that are sitting around the station wearing dirty clothes, carrying all of their belongings in garbage bags and ratty old backpacks.
Explain to him that these people didn't do their homework, and were lazy. Make sure he knows that once he is out of school, that you are not going to feed and house him forever, and that he has a choice - work hard and succeed, or end up at the bus station.
A little 'reality check' can go a long way in motivating a kid. Sometimes they don't know why they are having to learn all this boring crap (unfortunately the schools don't do a very good job of actually showing kids practical applications for the stuff they are teaching them). I really feel for students and teachers both who have had to function under this 'no child left behind' B.S. that the current administration has inflicted on this countries school system. It forces the teachers to 'teach to the test' rather than providing a quality education.
Good luck.
2007-02-26 10:57:16 · answer #2 · answered by joemammysbigguns 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smart kids can still have learning disabilities. You need to make sure there's not an underlying reason that he's avoiding homework. Some kids won't attempt something that they believe they are destined to fail.
If you determine that he has no disability, then you might consider holding him back a year. I know at least one 6th grader who seriously cleaned up his act after his parents held him back.
I would suggest talking to the teacher. See if you can arrange to get his homework assignments so that you know what he really has to do. When he gets home from school, make it clear that 1) you know what his assignments are, and 2) that he has to sit at the table and complete them, in your sight, and that he may not do ANYTHING until he is finished - including eating supper. You will have to be firm with him, but if you don't waver, he'll eventually figure out that you mean business.
2007-02-26 11:06:37 · answer #3 · answered by Amanda M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a middle schooler that is on the high honor roll, and yet homework is a fight with them every night. It has been like this for years. She is distracted by every little thing (including but not limited to electronic devices). We had taken them from her long ago, yet she still finds other things to distract her. She will talk to her siblings, open the refrigerator, doodle on paper, anything but get her homework done. Eventually it does get done, and it is her time that is wasted. There is a lot of stress for myself and my wife however in watching over her to see that it gets done.
I suggest in your case, talking to the teacher to get the assignments. Also look to see if there is after school homework assistance (my school has it). If you are financially able, a tutor may be an option too.
Good luck with this, I can relate to your stress.
2007-02-26 11:08:39 · answer #4 · answered by mark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm afraid that at that age it's a little late to start responsible parenting. All I can suggest is that you talk calmly to him and try to get him to understand something very important: Namely, that you yourself have been through his stage of life, and where you are now you are very thankful that you did your homework, even if you found it boring and pointless at the time. The key here is to get him to understand that you simply have more experience and knowledge in this field than he does. It's a hard thing to do, but if you can pull it off it's probably about the best way to get him to do his homework. As a parent, you always have to make sure you keep the upper hand; never, ever, descend to the child's level, because then they start thinking they can get control of you.
2007-02-26 10:49:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many schools have websites where teachers post assignments & grades. If not, have a parent-teacher conference & have them e-mail you what the homework will be for each week. His teachers want him to do his homework. They are on your side. When he gets home from school sit him down at the dinner table with a snack until his homework is done. No excuses.
2007-02-26 11:12:21 · answer #6 · answered by Julia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this may sound crazy but what motivates adults to work-money! Try paying him for good grades-make the highest pay for A's and on down the line. He for sure has things he wants that you dont want to pay for. If he is interested in video games maybe promise a game for an A or half cost of game for a B this may motivate your kid to do his homework.
2007-02-26 10:52:07 · answer #7 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the teachers at his school and have them send you daily emails about his work at school and homework. When it comes to helping students pass most teachers will do this. Make him bring all of his text books home so he cant say that he forgot any and cant do his work. Sit with him when he does his work and help him if he needs it. Find out if he needs extra help in school. Getting angry and yelling will only make matters worse so I would not recommend that. And I can assure you that most days he will have homework so if you could get in touch with the parents of other students in his classes you will be able see what they do when they get home. Good luck!
2007-02-26 11:00:30 · answer #8 · answered by EMW 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he doesn't to be classified as a "nerd" to his friends or maybe there is a deeper factor. Talk with him and his teacher together about how they can handle homework. Also let him know the consequences of him not doing his work such as failing his grade!
2007-02-26 10:53:24 · answer #9 · answered by Saucy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to make his homework interesting...
Instead of looking for ways to punish him you should
be looking for ways to make his homework more interesting.
Encourage and Praise...
Do not punish.
2007-02-26 11:51:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋