What can I do to occupy my ds2 whilst helping ds with his homeworK?

[pepsi]

My ds has just started in reception and gets a few things to do at home like word building, just 3 words and perhaps a very simple book to look at. Im finding it hard getting a quiet moment with just the two of us and doing it before he gets to tired. After tea we have been sitting in the kitchen and doing some colouring and whatever the task is. Ive been doing colouring to occupy my 2 year old at the same time, but she just takes over and talks/shouts/sings really loudly and basically does whatever she can to get the attention........just being 2 basically. My ds struggles to concentrate on these tasks at the best of times and this distraction just makes it impossible. Tonight I tried putting her in front of the TV whilst we did it but that upset him because he then wanted to watch the TV. Im sure this is a problem that will get better as they get bigger, but my ds has been classed as special needs and really needs the one on one attention and all the help he can get. Thus I am becoming very frustrated and have started to shout more than I used to. I know its no ones fault, but just a quiet 5 mins would be nice.

[MeanBean]

Pepsi, I've got exactly the same problem - my DS is 5 and in year 1 and my DD is 2 and can't tolerate attention being shown to DS and not her. My way of getting round it is to involve her.

If his homework is colouring or tracing, I give her a piece of paper and a pencil and tell her to do some colouring as well ("do minimeanbean homework", or if it is reading, I get her to sit on one side and him on the other, while we pretend that we're all reading it (he's supposed to be but can't, she pretends she is, and I'm the only one who doesn't want to and can!)

[Tessiebear]

I have the same problem with my Ds's. (DS1 age 6 in yr 2 DS2 3 in nursery)
Try telling DS2 that his colouring is his homework and that he has got to sit and do it quietly and if he does he will get a small treat - chocolate bar or whatever.
I personally resort to food and television but it is worth a try!!

[Tessiebear]

When we do reading DS1 reads the words and then DS2 has the same amount of time to talk about whats going on in the pictures

[duster]

I had a very similar problem, and I happened upon the following solution: I gave ds2 homework too. This involved 'reading' out what ds2 had to do, and then marking it. His homework began with practising 'writing' or 'learning a story' and, as he is a sweet and trusting child and I am a Very Bad Mummy, moved onto 'putting the books away' and 'washing up' (I kid you not - dreadful wet mess on boy and floor though) Ds2 was fairly peed off at the extra attention his older bro was getting, and he seemed to calm down when he was doing the same sort of thing, or given his own special task to do 'to help Mummy' - maybe he just felt left out. I also instigated a treat after homework (aah! bribery), which these days means tea, homework, dessert (ds1 is 9, ds2 is 8)
This doesn't sound like much help now I read it back - sorry. You have my sympathy, it's a real challenge to juggle two of that age at such times. I also felt quite excited at ds1 being so grown up, and really wanted him to enjoy school, and for me to be involved, so I was getting to resent ds2 as well! Hope this helps - though learn from my experience, and never give a small child breakable crockery to wash!!

[duster]

In the time it took me to post that message, Meanbean came up with the same reply! Must learn to type faster.....

[pepsi]

Another part of my problem is that my dd2 is very bright. When we do letter sounds and recognising letters she gets them before he does and she is 2 years younger! Im not sure I want him to see that she can do things and he cant. sounds like its a universal problem that frustrates many.

[Dingle]

Had to smile at this, sorry! I know how you feel. DS was 5 at the end of Aug & has just started in Y1. DD is almost 3 & has Down Syndrome.
I come in from school put dd in the front room with CBeebies or her fav video to try to do ds's reading with him. DD is hanging over the child gate shouting out at us in her own little language, obviously very disgruntled by the fact that she is being left out.
It has got to a point now that most nights I sit them both up at the dining room table let them have a snack and try to get some work done with both of them.
It can be quite challenging to keep them both occupied but I was finding that by leaving DS's homework until later when DH was in or DD was in bed,he was just too tired.
I do some speech & lang work with dd, ds helps with the phonics. Sometimes we do number board/peg game. Soon dd will have enough and ask to get down-leaving me (hopefully) a bit of quality time with ds!!
Like you say-hopefully it will get easier.

[Dingle]

Must type faster too, there were only 2 posts when I started!

[clary]

Hey pepsi, it is a good idea to involve second child too. My DD (3) can do the jolly phonics sounds and actions almost as well as her older brother (5).

I don';t know if this is a mad suggestion but re tiredness of school child, I find it is better on the days when I drop him at school to do some work in the morning!
Don't all cry out, we get up at 6amm or so and actually by 8am are all ready so have 5 mins to read book etc.
He just seems much better able to deal with it at that end of the day.
DD usually sits and listens too tho have to stop her "reading" (she has memorised the book after a few goes lol)