The Forgetful Child
The Forgetful Child excerpted from 'The Procrastination Child: A Handbook for Adults to Help Children Stop Putting Things Off'
By RITA EMMETT
Children sometimes need a little extra support in the area of becoming organized. For example, if they are honestly forgetting to do things -- walk the dog, make a phone call, study for a test, take a shower or assemble their school gear -- help them; teach them to make a list.
Do they need something to write a list on? Do they need a place to put that list so it's not always misplaced? Do you need to go to an office supply store -- with or without your children -- to see what's available that might be helpful to them? Maybe a clipboard or maybe a special notebook or a way to carry their books or keep papers together. They need your help with this.
For pre-readers, use a wall chart with pictures or stickers -- a toothbrush to remind them to brush their teeth after meals.
Many adults need something to help them remember to do things. If your child is not doing homework, maybe the problem isn't the doing of the homework, it's the remembering to do the homework. You can help her figure out how to get organized.
Sit down with her and have her explain to you the step-by-step process of bringing home what she needs. Ask her questions so as she answers she can decide instead of you dictating to her. She is more likely to stick to decisions that she has made. For example, ask her:
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•Does the teacher write assignments on the board? When?
•Does your child have trouble seeing the board? Reading the assignments?
•Does she need a place to record assignments?
•What time during class can she do that?
•Where are her books at the end of the day? In her desk? Locker? Backpack?
•How can she decide what she needs to bring home?
•When and where will she be when she makes that decision?
Don't be afraid to work with your child. Many times we think we know what the problem is, and after asking a few questions, we discover the problem is something totally different. Use "creative problem solving" to help your child figure out a way to remember things -- whether homework assignments, chores or feeding the iguana.
Excerpted from 'The Procrastinating Child: A Handbook for Adults to Help Children Stop Putting Things Off' by Rita Emmett
