Mean Moms

I can understand how you feel. I feel like giving up too. I know my daughter knows the answers but she likes to pretend not to and play around. Then she starts with I am a mean Mom.

Play is Work for Kindergarteners

Maybe it’s just me, but shoot, the kid is 5.  I’d let him be a kid and try to make learning come from play.  I tend to find the harder I push, the harder they push back.  I’m not saying play all day, but 5 year olds don't usually have too long of an attention span and if you get educational toys they learn when they don't realize it.  Also not sure about your state, but here in Michigan, kindergarten is optional.   I’d check into it and let him mature a bit. 

How to Get Your Kids to Do Something

I find the easiest way to get my kids to do something is to say, "Go away, leave me alone, I’m going to do XYZ and I want some peace."

First they look, then they ask questions, then they offer help, then they take over, then I go and read a book and leave them to complete the task.

I learned a lot from the book, "Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend," If you haven't read it, it's a must for homeschooling moms.

Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend

Better Late Than Early

In fact, the more I have my 7 year old in school, the more I am convinced of the theory "better later than early". My other son was so difficult at this age and now he's doing great. I just want to stop with my 7yo and wait a couple of years, but unfortunately dh has other ideas. My fear is that it is putting him off learning. He is reading for pizza coupons. He told me today he's read his quota for January, so he doesn't need to read any books this week. In a family of readers, this is so sad.