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AIBU?

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Original poster

Husband fruitless efforts!

15 replies

FootTapping · 23/03/2025 16:32

I am sitting listening in to my husband and my son!! My son (yr 6) is doing homework. My husband is so so patient. He's taking ages explaining fractions and percentages etc ... and taking it all v seriously! My son is putting on silly voices and answering him occasionally but it's clear he's got no idea what husband is talking about and is just being silly but clearly grateful DH is sitting with him, so trying to politely respond! It's the funniest interaction to hear!!

AIBU to find this interaction v funny! And to be v proud of my husband for his lovely efforts, but to wonder why he bothers!! DS is not really listening to a word! He hates homework, maths makes no sense to him! I gave up ages ago trying to help him with his maths homework as I simply don't have the patience!! But I am so pleased DH is trying!! Even if the response from DS is to sing silly songs and make silly voices. He is I think trying to answer DH but it's clear he has no clue what DH is on about and DH is giving these really long lectures on the maths underlying the concepts!! I have maths A- level and have no clue what DH is on about!! How the heck he thinks DS is taking any of this in is beyond me!!

Giving me a giggle though and I massively admire his efforts!

OP posts:
NotHavingAFunTime · 23/03/2025 17:04

DH is giving these really long lectures on the maths underlying the concepts

It’s really not cute then tbh, and isn’t helping DS one bit. He’s bored and has lost focus because long winded lectures aren’t suitable for a 6 year old.

NotHavingAFunTime · 23/03/2025 17:05

Sorry, I see year 6. Same applies though, it needs to be tailored to his understanding.

Justcallmebebes · 23/03/2025 17:07

I don't find any of that in the slightest bit funny

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 23/03/2025 17:11

As a 10/11 year old your DS should understand not to disrespect his Dads efforts by pissing about.

I agree, your DH is clearly a good dad and trying hard but your son sounds like he needs to be given a stern talking to about his rude attitude.

Mancala · 23/03/2025 17:12

Maybe it's funnier in person... I think like most parents your DH in plumbing the depths of his patience to help his child with a life skill, without which his life will be immeasurably more difficult. Maybe he's missing the mark a bit, but some of it will be going in, the lesson in patience and parenting, if not the maths. Good on them both for trying. But DC does need a word about respect and behaviour when someone is trying to help them.

JLou08 · 23/03/2025 17:16

I wouldn't find a year 6 acting that way funny. It is rude and disrespectful. I also don't think your DHs attempts are fruitless. You don't just give up trying to help your child with homework because they are rude, you address the rude behaviour.

YourBestFriend · 23/03/2025 17:16

How is that bloody funny ? Have you been smoking weed, OP?

Ablondiebutagoody · 23/03/2025 17:29

Sounds like a waste of time. When I'm explaining homework to DS, I have to make sure he's listening, focused on me and not fiddling with stuff and daydreaming. Like every few minutes! Otherwise what's the point? He'll be confused and we might as well go do something fun instead.

LisaLovesLearning · 31/03/2025 08:10

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Daysgo · 31/03/2025 08:21

Am glad for your ds that he at least has one parent who is willing to put in the effort to help him with maths. Which is a pretty important skill to learn.

Dragonsandcats · 31/03/2025 08:28

@Daysgo has a point. I’m not sure giving up with it is good for your ds - he has a lot of maths still to learn.

Timetochillnow · 31/03/2025 08:36

Also sad to think that you find this amusing as your son clearly has problems with understanding or processing maths and he clearly needs a different approach.
we also use a practical demonstration ( cutting food ) to help with maths concepts as people all learn differently and your son needs more than verbal or visual input.

your son is lucky that dad has patience but you and dad need to take some time together to look at how you can help him before your son gets much older - can you talk to the maths teacher and school senco?

dairydebris · 31/03/2025 08:38

Too many exclamation marks.

Mischance · 31/03/2025 08:45

It's good that your OH is trying and even better that your son has the intelligence to not take it seriously and get upset when he cannot do it. Too much too soon is what children get from their schools. Be delighted that he is not letting it get him down when he cannot do it!

Good on that little lad!

TheHerboriste · 31/03/2025 09:09

Mancala · 23/03/2025 17:12

Maybe it's funnier in person... I think like most parents your DH in plumbing the depths of his patience to help his child with a life skill, without which his life will be immeasurably more difficult. Maybe he's missing the mark a bit, but some of it will be going in, the lesson in patience and parenting, if not the maths. Good on them both for trying. But DC does need a word about respect and behaviour when someone is trying to help them.

Edited

This.

Many men would not bother.

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