How do you get a 6-year-old to listen to you?

Question

I am getting paid to tutor/babysit a very smart but very restless six-year-old. I am tutoring him in math, science, and reading/writing. I have tried to do fun things with him, but he always gets distracted and always tries to talk me into letting him do what he wants, which is play computer games.

We have snack time and break time and everything, but he still gets very restless and does not pay attention.

I've tried to make these subjects as interesting as possible. I've done science experiments with him and even made a funny video using sock puppets about fractions. He's enjoyed those, but when I ask him questions about the subjects to make sure he understands them, he slouches and rolls his eyes.

He is very pleasant as soon as he gets his way, but when he doesn't, he starts being very annoying.

This seems to be his philosophy: Don't do it it if you don't want to.

How can I change this? What are some ways to capture his attention? What are some good punishments for misbehaving?

Answer 1

Most 6 yr olds are not developmentally ready to be "tutored" and that is why he rolls his eyes. Even if he is a very gifted child tutoring is not really appropriate.

Play, play, play! That is how children learn. Physical activity stimulates the brain in a 6 yr old.

Listen to him, encourage him to talk about what he senses around him. Have him color with crayons or colored pencils (these develop fine motor skills -markers, not so much)

Role play house, chef, scientist, mathematician, geographer, architect (Legos) archaeologist (dig in the sand or dirt).....You teach him about reading, math, science, & geography while doing these things (but don't tell him you're teaching him - let him discover things)

PLAY! Have fun - laughter is good for both of you.

Answer 2

give him a scheduled computer time, and make it clear that he needs to do his lessons, and if he doesn't, take away his computer time.