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I am such a dumb mom! help!?

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My soon to be 10 year old was diagnosed with ADHD in October 07. He has trouble with his school work at school due to the adhd. They did a complete evaluation on him and found him to need no extra help in school because he passed the tests at average level. They created an IEP that helps him some.

My problem is this. He brings home his home-work that is hard for him to understand. I try to help him with it and I dont get it either! I try to look online for help and cant find any. So I help him the best I can and the teacher the next day X's the ones he missed and sends it back home to re-do! He asks her for help and she says he should know because they already went over it in class. I have no idea how to do some of this stuff. I can help him with everything except the Math. I was never good at math! I never failed in any grades at school so I must not be THAT dumb! Sheesh! I cant afford a tutor, What should I do? Am I a dumb/bad mom ?

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NO you are not a dumb or a bad mom.

Try going in to talk to the teacher. It may be embarrassing to admit that you don't always understand the problems, but she should know that your son has ADHD. Just because he tested once very well, does not mean that when harder things come along that he will not need extra explanation. If the teacher refuses to help more, then take it to the principle. This is why we all pay taxes, for schools to teach and help our children to get the best possible education that they can get.
Report (0) (0) | earlier
First off, your not a bad mom, i have a soon to be 10 year old too, and he comes home with things i don't understand either, The teacher did the same thing, I just wrote a note asking her to please explain it to him again! If that fails go to the principal, and tell him that your sons teacher needs to explain the lessons to him better!
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First, you are not a dumb or bad mom.    You are obviously concerned, attentive, and helpful to your son.   Plus you have excellent writting skills; far better than the average joe on Yahoo Answers.    Don't feel bad about your math skills.  Not everyone is blessed with math ability.

What to do?   Go visit your son's teacher and ask her for advice of how to handle this situation.  Your son is unable to stay attentive in class, so he misses out understanding how to do the homework.    As an ADHD kid, he probably needs one-on-one instruction.    If his teacher is unable to provide an answer, then take the issue to the school principle.    Under federal law, the school or school district is required to provide support for students with disabilities, including ADHD kids.    I know first hand about this issue because my step son is an off-the-chart ADHD daydreaming kid.

If math is the only issue, I suggest you use Yahoo Answers for help.    There are scores of kids who submit questions here for the Answers community to respond.  Most are answered within a few minutes.     Hint; create a consistent opening line indicating you are asking for help so you can tutor your son.     I pass over questions from kids who obviously don't even try to do their homework before asking for help  (these questions are easy to spot).    But I will answer questions where it is apparent the person honestly tried and does not understand.     If I saw a question from you, I would gladly answer.   I believe most of the Yahoo Answers community feels the same.

Good luck
Report (0) (0) |   earlier
YOU ARE NOT DUMB!!! Does the teacher know your son has ADHD? If she does, you should talk to her and ask her why she won't help. If she still does nothing, talk to the principal.

Each person is better in one subject and not others. I'm horrible in math but am great in history and geography. Don't feel bad because you can't do something. You can actually go to your local library and ask for books on doing math questions. Some libraries even have text books for math.
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First you arent a dumb mom. You are great for helping your son. Next, your son's teacher needs to be replaced. And finally, just my personal observation on ADHD. See what happens if you change his diet. Cut out ALL sugar and processed foods. Give him lots of fresh fruit, fresh veggies, lean protein and water. If he is passing the tests then he just be too wound up from what he is eating.
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Not at all!!! Your not a dumb nor bad mom. You'd be a bad mom if you weren't making an effort to help your son. A teacher is there to help but doesn't seem to be doing her job. I'd say have a conference with the principal with the teacher there to discuss the problem. And dumb? No way. I was just visiting my grandparents and I asked them about something in math, and they said they had never heard of it. Teachers are coming up with some crazy new things these days. Maybe have him switch schools if it's becoming too tense. Or maybe some neighbors or relatives would be able to tutor.
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no! Time changes sooo fast and new things change math is ALWAYS changing... (i'm not good at math either...) (i also, have A.D.D.) anyway, so if you can;t afford a tutor do you have anyone in your family that is good in math? maybe, the school has a math lab which may help... but, your not dumb! NEVER think your dumb!!! You may want to talk to the teacher to see if she can tutor him maybe... sometimes teachers will tutor kids for free... (that's what I did in 6th grade) anyway, so yeah I would ask around the school or maybe if you have a sister or brother or maybe a cousin that is good in math. I hope I helped and your not dumb!! =D May God bless you!!
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omg! My lil sis in the second grade has the same prob!!!!She struggles in spelling but i know why! Her spelling lists are brought home with the word- "Petraglyph"!!!!

What is a..........................Petroglyph???... gosh. haha. my mom didn't know what the word was and i had a hard time pronouncing it too! Um. What MY mom does when my sister doesn't understand things she writes a note in her planner -"Lucy didn't get her homework. Please explain." or, call the teacher. She/he probably would be happy to help!
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your not dumb and your not a bad mom my lil brother is learning stuff i never heard of hes in 7th grade i just turned 21 so i havent been out of school that long even when he came home with stuff from like 3rd grade and i was still in school some of that i was just learning in my classes talk to his teachers and his school tell them about adhd take in information my whole family has that well all of them but me and these kids are very smart but they need one on one teaching with a teacher who understands what adhd really is we had so much trouble making them understand it even though my brother couldnt keep his mind on day by day work he made top 5 on the test at the end of the year for the whole state average like i said they need reminding and one on one teaching but very very smart children good luck
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School work these days is hard. My 1st graders bring home math homework all the time.
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Your not a dumb or bad mom it's great that you care about your sons education and that you are trying. Try asking the teacher just to send home examples of the lesson he is learning in math. If he has a math book try looking in there and see how they teach the lesson.
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dont be hard on yourself, your a good mother and have a precious son, times have changed and children today are learning more advanced stuff then your generation did, its not your fault... just get him a tutor... or ask the teacher to spend an extra hour with him after school to study with him...(pay the teacher)
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umm...if he's ten, isn't he approximately in 4th grade? that grade would be like, dividing, muliplying, all that stuff. it's not really that hard. but i guess you must be out of touch since you may not have done this stuff in a while. i would suggest trying to find out what exavtly his curriculum is, and look it up online. tell him to bring his math book home, and you guys can look over what he has to do. infact, that way, you'll be remembering as well as teaching him.
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I would recommend having a parent teacher conference and explain the situation. If you aren't satisfied with her answers then contact the school counselor or principal and ask for an IEP meeting to discuss options available. If he's struggling in math then they should provide resource help from an LD teacher while he's at school. Don't feel bad I suck at math as well. You're not dumb but you do need to stand up and fight so your child can get the help he needs without having to pay for it.
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Well... my mom had a problem with me too... i was too advanced...so she bought me workbooks from like walmart... and i worked in them... Just get one for your son for his grade instead of the grade above.... There are also probably free tutoring services ...try like college students or a library... just check around (sorry if my info isn't good enough im only 14)
Report (0) (0) | earlier
Sit down.  Take a deep breath.  You are a good Mom!  I can tell because you care enough to be worried about all this.  I don't have any magic answer for ya, but if there are individual problems you need help with, there is a homework help section here.  I see math questions on YA all the time.  Keep checking with the school.  Some schools have older kids who tutor for free.

OK, one more deep breath.  This too shall pass.
Report (0) (0) |   earlier
No, you're not dumb or a bad mom. A bad mom wouldn't care. I suggest you go have a meeting with his teacher, explain the problem and see if you can come to an understanding. If that doesn't get you what you need, go to the principle. Keep going up the chain of command until you get satisfaction. You obviously know how important this is, don't give up. Good luck.
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Math Rabbit, helped my stepson.

That and practice, repetition.

There are other programs for older kids as well.
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Not a bad mom at all. This teacher needs to be made aware that his needs for learning may reach a bit beyond the other kids. He probably just will learn different than a child w/ out ADHD. Go for a conference with the teacher. If she still doesn't want to provide him with what he needs as far as an education in the class go to the principal and so forth. Your child should not suffer if his teacher is just lazy. And I would not be too quick to medicate him. Kids should be kids with out a bunch of drugs in their system to alter who they are. You sound like a great mom you are aware of what is going on --- just be your sons best cheer leader. You may be able to involve him in a boy/girls club program that will give tutoring free of charge. Check around. Good Luck.
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No you're not dumb!

What they teach children is more advance that how it use to. Find a niece or nephew, (whichever) and ask if they can help your son, an older sibbling is great.
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Your not bad just ur worried work hard do some work for urself o get used t it and adhd can be cured dont woorry just work hard
Report (0) (0) | earlier
No, you are not a dumb/bad mom, but that teacher is. I have been a teacher for 15 years and telling a child they should know how to do something isn't teaching. Obviously, your child had been identified as having attention problems. It is very likely that he is struggling with understanding because he cannot pay full attention while she is explaining it initially. Also, homework should NEVER be something the child doesn't understand. It is supposed to be skills he can practice on his own. I suggest you have a conference and explain the trouble your son is having. I would express your frustration and basically ask the teacher what she plans to do to help your son be successful. It is her job to teach your son not yours. It sounds like she is being lazy and doesn't want to take the extra time your son may need. If a conference with her is not successful, I would then request a conference with the principal. Since your child has been identified, the school must assist your child. Feel free to email me if you have more questions.
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I am actually in the same boat right down to every last detail you mentioned! I feel so overwhelmed myself. I am glad I am not alone. I feel so bad for my son in some ways because he works all day at school and he shouldn't have to come home and work so hard and long, he gets really frustrated and I am no big help, then I feel bad.You are not a dumb/bad mom. It is a trying situation. If you figure out something please share it with me!
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you are an excellent mother! math is annoying no matter what age you are it's easy to forget! his teacher is a real jerk for not helping him that is her job. try looking at teh local highschool for volunteer tutors, there is always someone willing to help. good luck!
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Of course you're not a dumb/bad mom. Post some of the questions here on yahoo answers and we'll help :]

most parents don't have trouble until they're child gets to high school haha
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give yourself a break think it like this it was years ago you were at school it all just goes, however school work is harder these days
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I dont think your a dumb mom. My mom doesnt remember some things to help me with my homework either. Do you have a niece or nephew who is close in age to your son who could maybe help him? Or maybe some of your friends have a kid who is willing to tutor him.
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i have ADHD i am in 2 probe classes ( thats what our school calls the higher level classes) 1 advanced, orchastera, and french level 1 (just started french) im in middle school. , no you are not a bad mom, i can rember when i was little i got homework on subjects on sentences. i had no idea what that was, and my parents could not figure it out. your son will probaly grow out of it. i think some highschoolers will tutor for a small price.
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try talking to the principal of the school, your son may need some extra help, regardless of what a test says, they cant refuse to help a student who has a conditon that may effect his learning, then once he gets help, he can maybe show you the right way, so you both can learn
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No, actually, a lot of parents have this problem. Try Catapult Online, it's a free tutoring program you do at home on your schedule. They give you a free computer and you can actually talk to your teachers live. There are also many other programs that have free tutoring.
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the only stupid thing you have done as a mother is believe that your child actually has ADHD (which is diagnosed way too often because doctors/pharmacies want to make money off of the prescriptions). A child who scores average on test is obviously not deficient in learning and is not having trouble in class due to a fake disease.

What you should do is have a chat with the teacher about this problem. A good teacher would set aside time with the child to go over material that he isn't clear on. This teacher is the problem, not your child. If you talk to the teacher and she continues to toss your child aside, try to get him into another class. Last, but certainly not least, if the teacher continues to toss your child aside, report her to the local school board and make a formal complaint about how she is treating your child.
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