How do I get my 2nd grader to focus and complete work so he can pass?

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mitchellf asks:

Already retained in kindergarden and now can't complete anything but reads a book a night. He won't focus.

In Topics: School and Academics, Motivation and achievement at school, Helping my child with school work and home work

> 60 days ago

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Dr.Susan

Apr 24, 2010

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What the Expert Says:

There are many reasons a child can't focus and complete work and it is important to figure these out now so your child starts to feel more successful and happy at school. The reasons for difficulty include:
1. a diagnosis of ADHD (even if he can read a book each night)
2. A learning disability
3. An emotional issue--for exampple, lack of self confidence can make a child shy away from trying to work.

Since he was already retained in kindergarten, it is likely that there is something other than the need to mature that is contributing to his difficultly. I think it would be helpful for you to think of it as 'he CAN'T focus', rather than as 'he won't focus' because this is likely the case and will make it less stressful for you and for him. You should begin by having him evaluated by your school district or privately to determine which of the three issues above could be the cause of his difficulties. I'm sure something will be revealed and then you will be able to begin the correct support for him.

Good Wishes and Great Parenting,
Dr Susan Bartell
JustAsk Expert
www.drsusanbartell.com
Twitter @drsusanbartell
NEW book “The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask”

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Additional Answers (2)

Dr.Monika , Child Professional writes:

Sorry to hear about your child's academic struggle. There might be a couple of things to investigate. First of all, has the inability to pay attention surfaced recently or has it been an ongoing problem?

If your child has become inattentive recently, you may need to discuss this with his health care providers and evaluate him for metabolic disturbances, such as thyroid disease or diabetes.

If your son's inattentiveness has been there for a while and he cannot progress academically, his health care provider should evaluate him for attention deficit disorder.

Please schedule your son for a visit with his pediatrician or nurse practitioner for an evaluation as soon as you can.

Best regards.

Resources:

http://www.pluggedinparents.com

> 60 days ago

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