History and Attitude.....Oil and Water

Recently I've been very open and honest in writing about Emily's learning issues and the current re-evaluation underway. 

Its my desire to continue down this path of honesty with all of you and the struggles we face. Why? First, so if anyone reading this is facing similar struggles they can know they are not alone. Secondly, it will give those of you who pray for us on a regular basis specifics on what you can pray for.

This week has been particularly difficult especially in the area of history. Of course, Fourth Grade history itself is an adjustment because it is true history. Up to this point, Social Studies has been about social interaction and community with tidbits of history. 

Emily has done well thus far but I noticed while studying for a quiz and test this week that she seemed not to be grasping the information. We studied every night this week going over the same questions and still it wasn't sinking in. I have to say that each day her attitude going into studying for these this week was not good. She wasn't thrilled that she had homework and had to study. Sadly, I've noticed a shift in her attitude lately. If something doesn't interest her, or isn't her "thing" she is tending to "check out".  Each time we studied I told her that she needed to put effort into it and needed to change her attitude.  I admit I also told her that if she received a poor grade she would have consequences....not because of the grade but because of the attitude with which she has approached studying this week.  Friday, when I came to get her from school, she was apprehensive when she told me I needed to talk with her teacher.  I knew what that meant and the teacher confirmed that Emily did get a low grade on the test. 

You see here is where the "struggle" lies. We know Emily's capabilities. We know when she likes something she is all in. A nuance of her learning issue is that when she really likes something she becomes almost obsessed with it. It becomes something she constantly talks about and her conversations always include or lead back to it. Paris would be an example of this and most recently a computer game called "Animal Jam". What we are trying to get Emily to understand is that in school there are going to be subjects you like and subjects you don't and the subjects you may not like or find  "boring" you still have to try and not just give up.  

We don't allow Emily to use her learning issues or the fact that she has an IEP be an excuse to not try or give up. As a matter of fact, only this year was Emily even aware of what an IEP is and that she has one. Considerations and adjustments are made to assist her in the classroom but she also needs to be present in the classroom and pay attention when she is given specific instructions. 

Personally, we know areas and concepts where she struggles and may struggle in the future but we've explained to her that there is a difference between trying hard and getting a low grade and getting a low grade due to lack of effort or interest.  

In the end, this weekend Emily has not been allowed to play "Animal Jam" due to her history test and also an issue on a math test. Because this is something she loves so much, we hope that she will understand that a bad attitude not only can lead to a bad grade but to real consequences.

We tell both kids that right now school is their job. Yes, we want our kids to have fun and be well rounded but education is vital and they need to be dialed in. 

Having a child with learning issues still requires us to be a parents and part of parenting is discipline and holding them accountable for their actions.  Disciple is not a cruel act it is an act of love. I've said it before, Emily is a gift given to us by God and it is our "job" to train her in the way she should go and there are times that that training includes the uncomfortableness of discipline.  

Please pray for Emily as she is struggling with the "attitude" of a preteen, pray for us to lead her correctly through this very confusing time as she is experiencing these moments of attitude. Also, pray that we will be able to help her through the areas she finds "boring" and still have her understand the importance of doing your best. 

As always, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share!