Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Just venting

After 2 weeks into school, ds9 finally blew his top at home today.
He said "Now Math has become my least favourite subject in school!!!"
He is not settling well into the new school. He comes home frustrated and gets angry towards his sister (Dd12) easily.
The school is not doing anything for him right now. He is doing the online CTY course at home after school but that doesn't address his boredom in school. I think he still misses his friends in the previous school and the familiar surroundings.

There is going to be a tryout for the AMC preparation prog next week which I suggested that he shoudl go for it.Even though the teacher -in - charge told me it is meant for 6th-8th graders, she welcome him to take the test. I hope he make it as one of the top 15 scorers but the timing of this class is the same as Orchestra training, which he wants too. Another frustrating thing....

What can I make him a happier child? He used to be so cheerful everyday.

((hugs S-T!))

I've got 11 tricks to making him happier, and I've used them all, but now I've come to regret taking that course. For me, the only real way to address this problem is by changing the outside world, not by changing the child.

I think it's time to show up in the principle's office and burst into tears. really. (If you haven't don't that already.)

And be sure he gets to that AMC program. If he impresses the coach/teacher, you'll have a strong ally!

Thks Grinity. I need that hug!

I will keep this in mind. Thank you!

I have yet to meet the Head face-to-face because an email which I sent to him earlier came back with a request that I allow the teacher more time to assess all the kids in class.

Another "sad" thing to add:- Ds was just getting along well with this particular boy and this boy is leaving the school tomorrow! Leaving for another country. I can see the disappointment on his face when he told me that. I was still planning to invite that boy over for a play date.

Yes.. I am definitely encouraging him to go for the tryout. The teacher has sent me some links for practice. I am grateful.

Grinity - that's such GREAT advice. Often we do try to change our children instead of their circumstances.

S-T, I hope you can figure something out soon. One thing that I keep telling DS5.5 is that we can't always have everything just the way we want it, and sometimes we have to make decisions or deal with certain situations as they are, no matter how difficult (or boring). We can't always choose the path that is the most comfortable; instead, we have to learn to deal with the challenges (or lack there of) of that moment, as the situation is only a step to the next one - therefore, temporary.

This has actually helped us get DS to consider (and now agree to) the move to first grade.

That's why I like to think of a child's readiness level. It is a zone of difficulty. If the child is way beyond what is being taught, then the situation has to change. If the child has some subject that are 'interesting but not a challenge' and even a few where there is a 'challenge that requires really learning how to learn' then it is time for the 'we can't always have everything the way we want it' speech.

If we don't actually know what the child's readiness level is, then we don't know what to do or say! And our little gifties sometimes take unpredictable leaps forward... which can explain lots of mysterious behavior.

In fact, if a parent was theoretically able to make everything 'perfect' for the child, in terms of readiness level, for years and years, when everyone else is getting 'off the rack' education, it sort of sends the message to the child that they are fragile and vulnerable. So we need to make the environment reasonable (not perfect)and then be cheerleaders for our children to be flexible. But we have to get the environment reasonable First. (IMHO)

Smiles,
Grinity