Ten Year Old Refuses to Do School Work

I am SO scared for my son!! He is 10 years old and flat out refuses to do any school work, at school or at home. I am completely burnt out on the fighting and tantrums that ensue. My husband mostly just gets on his case while I am trying to be the balance, making sure that he knows he's a good kid and not a screw up, but that he has to start taking school seriously. Any advise would be appreciated, thanks!

Thanks for contacting us to let us know what is going on with you and your family. It sounds like you care a lot about your son and only want the best for him. I am assuming since it is June 18th that your son is either attending summer school or a school that goes year around. It can be very difficult for children to focus at this time of year.

Let me ask you a few questions. Has he been having problems all year or just recently with the summer months? If he has been having problems all year, do you feel that it is due to him not understanding what he is supposed to be learning? Or does he have a personal problem with the teacher that he currently has? Some kids and teachers just do not mix, they have a really hard time establishing that crucial bond that inspires them to learn.

Or do you feel that your son needs to be tested to see if there is anything standing in his way, stopping him from learning effectively? Have you talked to your child's teacher about the battles that you are having with your son and his lack of motivation? Sometimes when kids are having problems with school and homework the best approach is to first start with the child's teacher.

There are a lot of things that could be factors in your child's behavior and sometimes it is a process of elimination to determine what the issue is. Please call us 1-800-448-3000, we are happy to talk this through with you. We are here 24 hours a day/seven days a week and are happy to help.

Sincerely,
Sara, Crisis Counselor

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