What is your six year old going through right now? In other words...How does he act in general, interract with others, his emotional stability. My son has been very whiny. He gets a ton of attention so its not an attention problem. His handwriting is not that wonderful...maybe I am expecting too much from him. Hes a smart little cookie but just doesnt enjoy much of school. He likes his little friends and tries hard to please which worries me sometimes. He's definitely a follower I think. Hes a sweet heart but has a ton of energy and takes forever to get him to listen! His eating is just really low...not a big eater! I like to talk with other parents with kids my sons age to compare...sometimes we think things arent going right with our little ones then we find out that they are right on track. Well not sure if anyone will respond but this is a neat forum regardless! Best wishes!

Hi Elizabeth! I have a 5 y/o(6 in June) and like your little guy, he's gotten really whiny as of lately. I think its just a phase that they are going through.(i hope..lol) Tyler loves school, playing, people, etc. He loves to play the nintendo 64. When he's home, he's usually on it for an hour or 2. He loves to do things for me and his dad, as well as others. I think your little guy sounds like he's right where he should be. He's learning who he is, and that is hard on anyone. There are days I wonder if I know myself..lmao Best of luck with him and e-mail me anytime.

Hi Elizabeth, I used to teach 5-11 yr.olds It sounds like your little guy is right on target with most 6 yr. olds. Try not to be to hard on him remember he's only been on this earth for 72 months, puts a whole different perspective on it dosn't it. If you're concerned about his writting, don't worry about it to much give him something for small motor skills like play dough, clay is better but because it's so stiff some kids won't use it for very long. Crayons and coloring books work well too, anything that will work the muscles in the hands wrist and fingers. Make whatever you choose to do fun, and he'll want to do it. Heres a recipie for playdough. 2cups flour mixed with 1/2 cup of salt. add 7/8 cups of boiling water and 2 tablespoons oil (not shortening) mix well. add 1-2 more cups of flour as needed untill dough is no longer sticky. you may need more or less flour you will know when its right. If its to stiff add a little oil, if to sticky add flour. you can add food coloring with the water if you want to. I like to squirt some of the gel coloring into the dough then watch as it changes color while the children play with it.they really like this. Best wishes. God Bless, Annette

Annette, Thanks sooo much for the playdough tip! He will love that. In fact I think I am going to go get some today for him to play with. His handwriting is still not very good. He gets bored very quick so he doesnt pay attention to what he is doing. That is the issue he is going through right now. I am patient with him, but it concerns me because he is a smart little guy and knows the work...money for example...he knows it but just doesnt "feel like" taking the time to count. I talked to him today because he was upset that he tends to be the last of his class to finish his work. He told me that he likes to socialize. He knows the work and has no problems completing the work at home so I know he knows it. I explain to him that if he continues to socialize he absolutely will be the last to get done and thats no fun. I asked him to concentrate on his work so he can get it done and then have fun. It's hard because matthew is pretty much the youngest in his class. Most of the children are already 7 years old and have been for a few months. It makes such a huge difference. His maturity level is not as advanced as the others. I often wondered if I should have held him back because of the maturity level. He does know the work though..so then I think that if I had done that he would have been bored. I probably just worry too much! I guess we parents do Thanks again for the tip. Have any tips regarding concentration? I use to do the quarter reward...when he does well in school then he gets a quarter. Then by the end of the week if he had 4 quarters then he would get to go to the dollar store to pick out a prize. Maybe I should try that again? Or if you have any tips that work on skills like the play dough that would be great. Thanks again! Elizabeth M