Are you giving up on that child? Read my story...

Greetings, my fellow moms and dads in the #motherhood community! It's yet another day to share my parenting experience with you all.

My son and I

It's no doubt that handling our little ones in different aspects of life can be challenging sometimes, although it depends on the child considering that all children are unique and never the same. Their level of learning differs; some learn very fast while others can be a bit slow in catching up, and therefore we need patience and more tactics to handle those kids struggling to learn fast.

In my previous post, I shared about me and my first son, Chisom, and how he doesn't show much interest in studying his books, unlike his younger brother, and how he prefers skills instead. However, I went ahead and enrolled him in band and guitar classes, which he finds fulfilling. Although I did that, I still did not give up on getting him to love studying his books. Chisom is my first son, in grade 2 and about to enter grade 3. He is still a child and needs a basic education before deciding to focus on a skill. Without a solid foundation in education for him, I bet he may not even do well in that skill of his choice, as education plays a vital role in every child's life. This had been my driving force in trying out different tactics to get him sound academically, despite his low interest in learning.

I have passed through a lot of stress doing this, and I have made a lot of sacrifices as a mom. I am always involved in everything about his academics, at least to assist him in getting things right. His teachers and I are always communicating and brainstorming ideas to get Chisom to learn like others. Most times, his attention is 80% on the skill he wants to develop, leaving 20% for his studies. This has affected his results in the past, and it does not give me joy as a parent.

So recently I did a review of how his learning structure has been and what needs to be changed or adjusted. Then I discovered that the way I guided him through studying his books might not be a proper one. Because he lacks interest in learning on his own, I read out his notes one by one and explained them to him. Then get him to memorize important points. However, the teacher told me that he did forget whatever he studied at home and would leave some exam and test questions unattended. Then I began to ask myself questions about why this was so, knowing how much time I spent teaching him. At first, it was discouraging, but I refused to give up on him regardless.

So I later found the best trick that worked better for him...

My son Chisom

Instead of reading out Chisom's notes and textbooks for him and explaining the contents, I get him to read them himself. Write down the vital points and memorize them. This trick was very helpful, especially with his recent exams. This is because I found out that the best way to retain knowledge after reading it is to write. The brain makes a memo when we write, and it's actually easier to recall what you have written down, especially with your handwriting. It sticks to our heads better that way.

My son Chisom has been making tremendous efforts ever since I started applying those tricks above. The story has changed, and I am a proud parent. Getting to this point wasn't easy, but these kids are our investment. Giving up on them or overlooking their shortcomings when things look difficult isn't the way to go, even though we might feel otherwise, but it will be worth it in the end!

I really appreciate your taking the time to read my parenting story and experience.

Many thanks! Please note that the pictures are mine.