This is a great idea, but I'm not sure it would work for us, DS6 and DS4 share a bed (by their choice) and my 4yr old is really scared of the dark (and has his own issues--he's been having lots of nightmares lately), so he really needs DS6 right next to him to go to sleep. So I'm afraid this might not work (DS6 gets to listen to CDs in bed though because he does fall asleep later than DS4). The special outings might work though.

Okay, I will practice that sentence :) (He'll soon be 7 though!) And thanks for the book recommendation, I will check it out from our library asap.

I love that gravy comparison! But really the "other stuff" isn't that much of a problem, he loves history and read-alounds. It's the math, reading and handwriting mostly. Even if I only expect him to do those three things, he'll still complain and whine and refuse. Even with short lessons. Often, he'll get started on something and then as soon as it seems to get difficult or something new is introduced, he refuses to go on. It's kind of hard to not pressure him when he won't do anything, ykwim?

This is a great point, and you are right that he probably perceives it that way. HOwever, the 4yo DOES have responsibilities and work--I've even started him on the piano too, but of course he doesn't have to do 30 minutes like my 6yr old. And the 6yo also did have some responsibilities before starting school but I think you're right that the transition might have still been too hard for him-- transitions are his weakness anyways!

Thank you! it seems like simplifying is what you all recommend...

Great idea, thank you! I like the idea of the homeschool journal too. Thank you! I guess I really wasn't sensitive enough to that. Thank you! it's helpful to know this happens to others too! You all have been SOOO helpful and inspiribng, thank you!!!

THis is very helpful thank you!!!

You might be on to something, he always complains that his 4yo brother doesn't have to do anything (and isn't impressed whe I remind him he didn't either at 4). I feel like I'm spending so much time with him already! But you might be right...

I had a few questions La Texican! How did you get him to do school after play?? Was there any consequence if he didn't do it? The solution that worked for us was to start school time after lunch, then there's tons of free time guaranteed each morning. After lunch I expect him to do three subjects. It's mostly reading, writing, and rithmatic, but we've added history and science. I read something in a parenting book about "setting your child up for success". It explained the way SeaWorld gets Shamoo to jump for the show is, first they set the bar very low. They put the rope on the floor of the aquarium. They give him a fish when he swims over it. Then they raise the bar. They suggest the punishment be like a video game, because people will keep playing a video game. You died. You loose. Try again. Also how exactly do you make punishment like a video game, do you have an example?

HUnter, I appreciate you taking the time to post those links, thank you!

Lots of great suggestions, thank you!!!

I think it is more parenting issue right now although he was great until the beginning of the year (before the new baby), so I guess it is a parenting problem related to adjusting to a new family situation. Please tell me more about your hard-core obedience training and relationship building!!! Thanks!

Thank you so much for your answers--keep them coming! So let me give you some more specific info. We started half way through first grade mostly because he didn't like his first grade teacher and we had actually been planning on homeschooling anyway (and yes, he was on board). We had a new baby in Feb. so that wa a big change but it seems that by now he should be adjusted (plus, he loves his little sister). i'm using a mixture of classical and Charlotte Mason method. He likes history (because it's mostly just me reading and we do projects), but hates reading, math, piano and anything else I try to throw in like spelling, poetry memorization (although he was good at it when we first started, now he won't even say a single line). At this point I'd say it's both a parenting and a hs issue.

How do you get a child to do their work when they don't want to and don't respond to rewards or punishments???

Hi there! I've only started homeschooling my DS 6 (almost 7) in January and it's been a nightmare so far. Well, we got started out ok but things quickly went downhill and he now refuses to do anything. He throws himself on the floor or couch and growls and wails regardless of what I ask him to do. (well, ok, he does listen to me read things out loud to him but when I ask him to say one sentence back to me most of the time he refuses). I've tried a reward system, Ive tried punishments, but nothing seems to be working. I'm getting ready to put him back into school, it's just so frustrating. Our house is so full of negativity and it's starting to affect his younger siblings too. ANy suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated!!! Laura