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Original poster

Year 7 - please tell me it gets better.

29 replies

drzeus · 26/09/2013 22:19

Struggling with the change from primary to secondary school. So far DS has lost a door key, forgotten home-learning, lost lunch money, lost pupil journal and generally been dis-organised.

To top it off this evening, he told me that he's lost his entire new PE and sports kit including new trainers, rugby boots, shorts, rugby shirt and holdall etc. Oh, and he needs it for PE next Monday. I could cry. He says he's looked for it at school but can't find it. It's all labelled but I wonder if we'll get it back. I can't really afford to replace it all so soon. He doesn't seem particularly bothered.

I've offered to help him prioritise his homework but he just will not sit down and do it (until its due). Complains of tiredness, but then won't go to bed and settle down. We've got a checklist of items to take to school posted on the fridge to help but it doesn't seem to be working.

I am at the end of my tether and it's not yet half term! Anyone got any top tips to getting through this nightmare!

OP posts:
ancientbuchanan · 26/09/2013 22:28

Everyone finds the same, I'm afraid, esp with boys. 11 is too young for such a change for many of them, IME, they just don't have the skills.

He is exhausted. Don't do anything at half term, he will just need to chill.

Put the list on the front door. Fridge gets ignored. Be firm about bed time unless there is a true homework crisis.

Give him vitamin pills with iron.

Ring the school to find out about lost property. I think we lost 4 jumpers that first half term. How can you lose 4 ? All with the school badge.

He's prob also struggling socially. They are all trying out the pecking order.

Not much practical help there and it dies take time, but you are not alone.

Hth

To be honest, they are so tired and confused they would be v sweet if they weren't so stroppy. You have to pretend they are little again and just overwhelm them with love and cuddles.

Ruprekt · 26/09/2013 22:27

Threaten to go in and help him look for his PE kit!!GrinGrin

Ruprekt · 26/09/2013 22:25

My ds has also just started in Y7.

So far, he is organised and everything is fine.

However, I have started with him as I mean to go on.

NO SCREENS or tv or anything fun til all homework is done. He knows he is responsible for everything and has to check off his planner when he has done HW, get me to sign the planner etc

Get him to pack his bag the night before, key attached to wallet in zipped pocket in blazer, lunch money in wallet too.

Would this work for him? Smile

((Biggest prob I have is that ds's peer group talk about raping women and girls, paedos, perverts etc.....am horrified!, spoke to his tutor yesterday.))ShockShockShock

BellaVita · 26/09/2013 22:25

Yes! Let him take the consequences.

I have teens. I also work in a secondary school.

Took a call today from a yr7 parent asking me to contact the form tutor to advise her son couldn't find his planner but not to give him a detention. Honestly, let them learn the hard way, don't mollycoddle, it will not do any good!

With regards to the pe kit, been there done that. I replaced it once and I told them that is all I would do, if they lost it again then they would have to cobble stuff together from the pe lost property bin (which they did).