teaching the habit of "checking"

My children have to have me “check” before they do the next thing. If it is chores, they have to show me the room/area, and I either say, “job well done. You may go play” or “This is incomplete. Do it over and then get me.”. As for school work, I am nearby my seven year old when he does his work. When he finishes an assignment, we go over it right then or as soon as I finish with my other student. When giving instructions, I have to be specific and brief. (Put the library books in the bag and set the bag by the back door.). When I have encountered frustration at my son’s forgetfulness or distraction, my husband “encourages” me by saying, “that’s seven year old boys.”. He coached 6 and 7 year olds soccer this fall and referred to it somewhat as herding cats. Energetic. Easily distracted. Not very good at listening and following directions.

Perhaps, you could have him check with you to be sure each thing is complete. I would not recommend writing as a consequence. That is a sure fire way to make a child hate writing. If something is not complete, have him complete it before he does the next thing. Also, check to be sure your expectations are reasonable and not overwhelming. Several things to do/remember at one time can be too much for a child.

I had trouble with this and after I watched the Laying down the Rails DVD, I have slowly been chipping away at laying down the rails for them to do it without me having to point it all out or check constantly behind them…Here is the method I have been doing for about a year… I created a chore chart that has a place where they can check things off in a wipe off sleeve for their daily things and I also have a check mark system for chores they are to do only on a certain day of the week. I review the list every morning so I know what each kid is supposed to do each day and then before they are dismissed for the day, I have to see that it has been done. Not too hard since they usually do their chores while I read to them, but if they do miss something in a room I just say, “unfinished business in here” I do not say who or what….they have to figure that out on their own….they have found it is much easier to check off things rather than try and figure out what I saw. They have been better at putting their shoes away and taking their things to their bedrooms rather than just leaving them where they fall. It is working, but it is a slow process and I am kicking myself that I didn’t know about it to begin with….when they were toddlers….