I love my kids. I love my kids. I love my kids.
But I’d be lying if I said I always like them. For instance…
The 10 year old boy has this too cool for school attitude that’s been present since, well, kindergarten. He’s constantly throwing around excuses as to why he shouldn’t have to study. Why doing his homework wont benefit him. And how when he grows up he’s going to be a hobo so this whole school thing is pointless anyhow.
Yea. My 10 year old wants to be a hobo- seriously.
Somehow he miraculously passed the 3rd grade (I say miraculously because most days he blatantly refused to do any work and when he did put pencil to paper it was to draw pictures or write about how bored he was.) But he’s not ready for 4th grade.
Let me stop here and say my son is actually very smart. He has huge potential – and I’m not just saying that because he’s my son. That’s actually the reasoning behind the school passing him. His potential.
The problem is he doesn’t use this potential. The only thing he puts 110% effort into is video games. The kid can pick up any controller and brand new game and catch on like a wildfire in the brush. But I ask him what 4 times 4 is and he looks at me like I have a frog on my face.
Yesterday I changed the game.
Being fed up with the abundance of effort put into video games and the lack thereof in catching up before school starts in T minus 7 days and counting, I put my foot down. At a loss for any other solution I ixnayed the video games.
Yes I did!
New Rule: If you can’t tell me your multiplication facts you can’t play video games. Don’t want to learn them? I guess you don’t want to play video games!
Part of me sees this as harsh, but the other part sees it as perfectly fitting. I’m struggling with which part to go with though. John considers this strategy of mine to be cruel and unusual punishment. My son tells me I’m bullying him into learning. I just want my kid to be able to tell me what 4 times 4 is!
So. I turn to you. Am I wrong in my game changing plan of action? Did I go too far in taking away the video games or am I justified in my actions?
Earning Play Time
I have this idea where if he learns one group of facts I’ll give him a reward. Say, he can tell me what 3 times 1, 2, 3, etc.. all the way through 12 I’ll give him an hour of play time. I don’t want to be the bad guy all of the time, but I don’t want my kid to think he can just sit around and play video games his whole life either.
About Amber Killmon
You are absolutey doing the right thing and prob should of started this s long time ago. By doing this yor son is not only earning play time, but learning a valueable life lesson that hard work reaps rewards. You give nothing in life, you will have nothing in life. Keep up the good work.
oops!. I Typed this using my phone. Should of proofread first. Lol
My husband told my son the other day… “Do you know what I am legally required to provide you? Shelter, food, clothing, and since we homeschool… an education. Allowing you video games, Kindle’s, MP3 Players, Computer, games, telephone, cell phone, etc. are all optional – I can opt out at any time!”
Another note, I have been struggling with Multiplication with my bunch for 3 years. We are currently using a free online program called Xtra Math for their math facts and it has been fantastic. It starts back at square 1 with fast paced addition first though. Great program, we love it and I never have trouble getting the kids to do it. In addition to whatever other method you are using specifically for multiplication, I recommend you try the Xtra Math and by the end of this year he will be a speed math kid in all of the basics (add., sub., mutip., & division)
I think it’s a great idea, and its not too mean. You are not banning the video games, you are making him earn the play time. If he’s as smart as you say he should have no problem doing the work (and finding a way to do so quickly.
Look forward to hearing updates.
Honestly, I think your new rules are completely justified. There is much more to life than video games, and they should be seen as a privilege. If a child isn’t doing what needs to be done (studying, chores, etc), the privilege should be revoked. I hope this new ‘game’ changes your son so that he begins applying himself toward his school work. Maybe try to make learning at home fun for him. Pinterest has tons of helpful and fun ways to teach multiplication, for example.