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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Forgetful 9 year old?

7 replies

jinkers · 27/08/2009 13:10

My 9 year old DS is incredibly careless with his possessions and is getting more so instead of improving with age- school here went back last Wednesday and he has so far lost/forgotten- jumper, tie, jacket (twice),schoolbag, school shoes and a library book as well as numerous other things at home. I've tried rewards, punishments (e g DS being taken away for a day if he loses things) but nothing is working, and I'm literally at screaming point- he just doesn't seem bothered. Does anyone have any bright ideas about how to make him a bit more responsible for his belongings? I know we all lose/forget things sometimes but he is driving me to despair (and bankruptcy)!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

random · 27/08/2009 13:12

Sorry no advice my ds is the same ..hes 16 now and has not improved with age

MadreInglese · 27/08/2009 13:13

IIRC there is some sort of research that shows that 9-12 year olds become scattier, something to do with hormones or brain development, I can't quite remember

ZZZenAgain · 27/08/2009 13:20

my dd is the same, loses everything, never knows where she has put anything. Often has a vacant look as if she's off with the fairies

Drives me nuts

MadreInglese · 27/08/2009 13:22

DD has been like this since about age 9 and now at 11.5 she does seem to be getting a bit better

Original poster

jinkers · 27/08/2009 13:39

If nothing else I now know I'm not alone! All his friends seem alarmingly organised (maybe their mums are just scarier than me!). Will hold out for him improving by 11, but suspect he might be like this for longer. Thanks.

OP posts:

mrshibbins · 27/08/2009 17:40

" ...research that shows that 9-12 year olds become scattier ..."

OMG you mean it's going to get worse??? mine is only just 8 and i swear she has a memory like a subnormal goldfish...

mathanxiety · 28/08/2009 05:31

They can't seem to keep all the balls in the air at the one time at all. I've experienced this with three DC's so far. I don't think you can really do anything about it -- maybe make them pay their own library fines and replace affordable things if they have pocket money. Keep personal possessions to a minimum and keep rooms as clutter-free as possible so it's easier to find misplaced items (and good luck). It gets better at 14ish, but untidyness rears its ugly head there, esp for girls.

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