Why is it so difficult?

[Mom2OandE]

Every day this week ds has fought me on something. It's constant. Today he had one paper to do (a test but I didn't tell him it was a test) with a few problems that I know he knows everyone and will fly through. Instead he's throwing a tantrum. He keeps saying it's too hard but he's done all these problems all week with no issues. I told him he gets no computer, outside or tv until its done and I'm sticking to my guns. He is very smart and I think more often that not he throws a fit to get out of things. This would take him less than 5 minutes if he just did it. Why oh why?

[PeterPan]

The moon is out.

 

Seriously, sometimes it's a really odd reason and we don't know for a while or till we have hindsite. Sometimes they're growing or out of sorts. Instead of punitive measures, you might try motivating options. Indeed the problems might be too hard that day for some reason. But if he knows he's doing them so his work list is cleared so he can go to xyz activity on Saturday, he might be more motivated.

[Heathermomster]

I don't know. They really do struggle and the forgetfulness is likely connected to their processing speed and working memory. With DS, I try to emphasize that we are a team and help him to recognize when he's getting upset. When the fight or flight response starts, the emotion center of their immature brain takes over. At that time, they can't answer questions. No child could.

 

Our week was stretched due to some extenuating circumstances. On Thursday, DS ate a sandwich and took a nap. I gave him 1.5 hours. He hasn't willingly taken a nap in 10 years. By 11:15 am on Friday, I ordered a new math curriculum and apologized to DS for not ordering it sooner. We switched to deductive thinking exercises afterwards. We're definitely going to try more math games.

 

Enjoy your weekend...

Edited August 25, 2012 by Heathermomster