When Sammy was younger, during homework, he would often pace around the house saying phrases like, “It’s too hard!”, “I can’t do it!” and really get into a negative space. He was very capable of doing the work, he just carried all this negative energy with the notion of homework.
Knowing the power of words, I would put up signs that said “Homework is easy!”, “Math is fun!”, etc… and sing it to him to break up all the heavy, negative energy he was experiencing. We would often break into laughter and lighten the mood… sometimes we would run around the house to break up the heaviness as well! Once we got past that wall of energy that was blocking him, he would ease through his homework.
He is now (in 8 days) 13 and in 7th grade… last night he was in his room and I stopped in to see what he was doing. He was pacing around his bedroom talking to himself. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was just giving himself a pep talk about his homework and how he was going to get it all done!
WOW – that was one of those moments as a parent where you just take a moment to enjoy the growth and expansion in your family!! YEAH – he is using these tools for himself now!!!
I love to share these stories for others that are in those earlier years where you wonder – how will I get through another night of homework with my kid! Continue to hold that positive space for them – they need us to do that until they can do it for themselves. AHA MOMENT – isn’t this true of all of us.
Thank you for sharing! I was at a loss for dispelling negative energy and change the I hate or its too hard he is so wont to say. I am going to try the signs and the songs. Thanks!!!
Hi Andrea! Considering all the negative energy that is created around homework, it is no wonder our sensitive kids feel it so strongly! When I was searching for an image for the post, I was blasted with so many negative images and articles on homework – really got me to see/feel the enormity of what our kids must feel! Have fun playing w/ the energy!!!