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

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.

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