Please or to access all these features

Behaviour/development

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

Can he really not remember? 11yo forgetfulness

2 replies

ABitBatty · 17/03/2010 21:01

Hi,

My ds1 is very nearly 12 and has gone from being a really bright, kind, sweet and happy kid in year 6 last year to a completely different person in Y7.

The main issue I'm having with him is forgetfulness. Just today he said he was in his cooking class and he just sat staring and didn't get his stuff out of his bag until the teacher told him. Everyone else around him knew what to do and were getting their stuff out.

He doesn't do his homework the first time, he says he 'forgets' until he gets a warning from his teacher.

He 'forgets' to check his planner for homework, or forgets to write stuff in it.

He doesn't know his timetable yet despite being at this school since September, he doesn't know what class he is is from one to the next on any particular day.

His spelling and handwriting are very poor for his age, he doesn't write on the lines and his presentation and effort he puts in are minimal/poor.

His maths and science skills are above average for his year group but most of his other subjects, art and PE in particular he really struggles with and is barely making the first band.

Now I don't want him to be 'the best' at anything, I'm not fussed what set he is in as long as he is doing his best and more importantly is happy. It just feels like he is on a slippery slope downwards and it worries me that there is something 'wrong' with him.

Could these issues be something to do with his age? I don't think he has started puberty yet, not physically anyway.

Sorry this is so long

OP posts:
kreecherlivesupstairs · 18/03/2010 08:40

Does he also forget things that he can look forward to? Outings or cinema and treats in general. My 8.10 dd forgets homework etc. nut that is because she is a lazy and tired little girl. Hope someone else can give you some advice.

FernieB · 18/03/2010 11:50

I agree with kreecher - does he 'forget' outings or TV programmes he wants to watch? If not, I would get tough. Explain to him that part of being at high school is taking responsibility for himself by remembering to write down/do homework, organising himself for the days lessons etc. If he is unable or unwilling to do that then you will have to take action yourself. Suggest that if he is unable to write down his homework, that you will contact the school to make special arrangements for them to inform you directly of the homework (the threat should be enough). Get him to write his timetable out twice and stick a copy on his bedroom wall and in the kitchen, so he has no excuse not to know what is happening each day.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page