My Forgetful 9 YO Boy

[lyarbrough]

My son is 9 years old. He is an only child. Lately, my husband and I have been having problems with him "forgetting" things. We will ask him to do something and he will "forget" and not do it. He will forget to clean his room, to put away his bike after playing with it, to take his plate to the sink, he will forget his manners it is a daily battle. We have tried incentives, taking stuff away, I feel we have tried everything and it is not getting any better. I will talk to him daily about what it means to be responsible and to remember to do these things. He says that is just doesn't stay in his brain. He says he tries and he really seems to feel bad about forgetting. I don't know what to do. Please if anyone has any suggestions I am open to anything at this point. PLEASE HELP!

[EaglesFanx4]

Kids often use the excuse of forgetting when they just don't want to do something. I know you have said you tried "everything" you can think of, but have you tried simply talking to him? I mean as "I know cleaning up and being responsible is no fun, I don't always like it either but there are things that must be taken care of. How would you like it if I just "forgot" to cook dinner or wash clothes? That wouldn't be good,ect" Just basically explain how important it is to help when your a part of a family.He might also benifit by a chart"reminding" him to do chores. At first it might take daily reminders from you, but after a little while it will be less and less on your part. Like with anything being consistant is the key. Remember, we are raising little adults, so what you instill when they are young carries over and by not holding our childern responsible in life is not showing love for them,it will only hurt them in the future.

[lyarbrough]

Thank you for the reply. I talk to him everyday, he tells me he doesn't know why he forgets. He says his brain doesn't remember. I tell him the same things about how it would feel if I forgot everyday. He does better and then falls back into the same habits. I think I will try the chart though. He seems very visual. I think this might help. Thanks again EaglesFanx4.