A comment was posted in following up to our "Deer in the Headlights" Post - a snippet from it was talking about her son and she said..."At times, which seem for no reason at all, he will act that way especially in Math. It could be something he already knows and just completly shuts down. I have tried what you stated but he has caught on and will say "I know what your doing. Your just trying to calm me down or change the subject". She asked if there were any other ideas if your child is "catching on" to this tactic. Not that I am an expert - but here is another idea!
You might want want to consider changing subjects for a little while or taking a 15 minute exercise break - nothing gets the adrenaline pumping and sharpens the senses like exercise...it will actually help them concentrate if it is not too overdone! Just for fun, the next time he is stressed - rather than acting upset or frustrated...or even worried...just say, "you know what, let's quit for a little while - take 3 laps around the house" when he comes back, have him hop on one foot - anything crazy and off beat enough to get his mind on how mom has "lost it" and off how he is not getting it. By the time he is laughing and relaxed, out of breath...you will know you are ready to tackle it with a fresh look....the key is getting to the point where each of you is no longer stressed...laughter works! Then, tackle the teaching from a fresh perspective - maybe physical manipulation...i.e. teach fractions by cutting up a cookie or breaking apart a hershey's bar. When all is said and done and the day is over, be sure to go back and remind them that they are exactly what God made them to be...each with strengths and each with areas that are weaker - if we were all perfect in every subject, we would be really hard to live with! The important thing is to always be teachable. We all have areas that we struggle in and areas that don't come easy...it just means that we have to work hard at it and develop it slowly. The attitude we approach these things with can be sinful if we are not careful - we start pouting about the way God made us or the ways he should have done things differently...be sure that we explain your own areas of weakness and how God uses that in your life to keep you humble and teachable. It can be a great teaching opportunity and a chance for our kids to see as human!
And by the way, thanks for the comment and follow up! It means a lot and it sure helps me to know what direction to go with posts...I love doing this, but I don't always know if it is helpful! Thanks!
Michele Everson, Proud Wife of Pastor Chad Everson and
Proud Mama to two boys who are dreading school tomorrow already!
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