Okay, all parents know that their own children do not listen to them as well as they should. When my husband suggested I start tutoring my own children daily, I cringed. I knew that they would not be very cooperative but thought I would give it a try anyway.
I sit with them daily from 8am-9:40 am three-four days a week. I do not feel like I am getting anywhere however.
Some days are better than others. Today was not so good. Salah, the first grader, just did not want to cooperate with his ever piling up homework. After procrastinating for half an hour, I finally sent him to bed. He just would not do the work. No amount of positive or negative reinforcement worked. Tomorrow he will wake up and we will try it all over again.
Omar, the third grader, is much the same. He has some days that are terrific and we may finish one or two pages in an hour (yes, that is a GOOD DAY). Other days I cannot get him to do ANYTHING.
As concerned parents, my husband and I are trying everything we can think of to motivate and encourage them to do their best and get their work done. It is just so difficult and overwhelming at times. I have even thought to place them with another tutor full time.
Both of my sons are middle children and have very difficult personalities. They get angry quickly, are hyper and reactive, and have ADHD. Needless to say they are very challenging.
They are also VERY bright and that is what frustrates me the most. They are so smart yet cannot seem to learn in a traditional classroom setting.
I keep praying and plugging away and trying to think of new ways to help them both.
I recently sent in a written request to the LEA (public school) near my house to evaluate them for special education (learning disabilities). I know that there is a 60 day turn around on the letter and hope I hear from the school up the street from my house soon.
If they are found to be learning disabled (dyslexic, or some such issue), then the public school will have to provide services for them. So we are waiting patiently until we here from the LEA.
Being a student of education, it is equally frustrating to feel that you are not able to help your own child.
Hopefully Omar and Salah will get all the assistance they need to be sucessful in school and in life.
