6 year old boys

[peacepiece]

Does anyone have any input on the "typical" 6 yr old and what should be expected of them? My ds is so smart academically but when it comes to day to day stuff it's like "WOW". I have to go downstairs with him in th am. I have to tell him the whole procedure about time for school...he lallygags! Any ideas?

[TiredX2]

I think that is pretty normal.

DS is only 5 and definately does what you say. But I know that DD has several friends (and sometimes herself) who at 7-8 still need a lot of "morning motivation."

[AngieB]

Yep, that sounds like my 6 year old boy.: Sometimes if I'm not watching him like a hawk in the morning he comes out with his school clothes over his night clothes because he forgot to take them off, or with two pairs of underware (dirty ones with the clean over them).

[Maiasaura]

well.....we don't have the school issue. we unschool. but my 6yo is smart as a whip, and just as sassy. he thinks HE is the mom :

heck if he came out with no socks and it's 30 degrees, i say something, but after that it's his call. they're his feet. if he thinks sandals in winter are fine, that's what i call natural consequenses
of course i always have a bag of clothes in the car. i'm not demonic...well, sometimes

but i do wish i could tame that sass. he's got quite a mouth on him

pamela

[teachma]

My six year old is extraordinarily responsible when it comes to: getting dressed in the morning, doing his homework independently, putting it in his folder and returning the folder to his backpack, remembering his library books in Wednesday mornings, getting out the door in time for the bus. I do realize this is out of the realm of "typical," however, because I teach fourth grade and most of my students forget their library books or homework from time to time and blame THEIR PARENTS for forgetting to put it in their backpacks! I haven't ever had to do that for ds- he's on it!

However, lest you think I'm bragging, be it known he has plenty of other issues. Responsibility and organization just aren't two of them.

To the op: How do you think your son would respond if he lallygagged so much and you didn't pester him, then he missed the bus and had to stay home for a day? Would that help him see the importance of getting it together on time? Or, what about prominently displaying a digital clock and writing down the times by which he needs to complete everything, like Finish Breakfast by 7:30, Shoes on by 7:40...etc., and then say no more but hold him responsible for adhering to the morning schedule.