Why in the world do we teach kids how to read or write?  Or even talk for that matter.  They are so cute when they are little and toddling around.  Then they get older and start talking and walking and climbing and asking questions and OH NO, the HORROR, memorizing things.  They memorize your address, home phone, cell phone, work phone and any other number you might be able to be reached at.

Then, then...  then they call you at work because they don't want to do their homework and they still want to do fun stuff like go to soccer practice and go to the bowling alley with mom and dad tonight.  Then they throw a screaming fit because they have to do homework and throw the phone down as they race to their room and slam their door shut.  Oh, you can still hear the screams from their bedroom.  Then they call you again at work on your cell phone just to tell you they are mad and feel they should get a snack because they need to go to soccer practice and go to bowling because they have candy to sell for school.   They manage not to throw a fit when you tell them they are still not going to soccer or bowling.  They just inform you that you are not fair and too tough and need to rethink your discipline policy. 

This from my 8 year old daughter. 

I told Emma last night that if the fits don't stop very soon then I will take her out of soccer and she will not be allowed to do much but go to school and come home.  I know that might be extreme but her homework is sloppy and she gets so angry when we tell her she needs to redo it and write neatly.  She has some of the prettiest handwriting I have seen in a while.  Last year she was reading 3 grade levels above her and this year, so far, she is in a reading class because her reading has gone down to a first grade level almost.  Now, at home it's a different story.  She reads anything and everything and she flies through the books she has to bring home and read to us.  She needs very little help with a word she hasn't come across and understands what she has read.  I know she can still read at least 3 grade levels above her but she just won't do it.   

I am wondering if all of this extra attention Ethan receives is taking a toll on Emma.  I hope she isn't going to let her school work slide for more attention.  I don't know how to stop it though.  I can't seem to get her to understand that keeping up the good grades is so much better for her than the fits and ignoring homework.  She must think if she does bad and needs that extra help than she'll get more attention.  She cries at the slightest thing anymore and screams at everyone at the smallest glance her way.  

I can't say that Ethan gets more attention, it's just different attention.  He needs someone to sit with him for the majority of his homework.  Not because he needs the help to do the work but because he needs the help to stay on track and keep focused.  His meds have worn off by homework time and he just can't concentrate.  If mom, Scott, or I sit with him and keep him focused on his schoolwork he can do the majority of it by himself.  The kid is almost better at math than I am, which really isn't saying much because I hate math.  I was in a general math class all through school except for one year.  I had Algebra I my sophomore year and was so ill the first semester that I don't remember most of that year.  I managed to ace Algebra and most of my other classes that first semester though.  I'm not sure how I did it, luck I guess. 

At homework time mom sits at the kitchen table with both kids.  She will help both if they have any questions.  When I get home I go over all the papers and check and then Emma reads to me. 

Once homework is done Ethan is happy to play by himself.  Emma wants to play with friends or follow grandma or dad around and talk non-stop to them.  She has so many questions about anything and everything and it seems like she almost always needs someone to be with her. 

I hope this is just a stage Emma is going through.  I didn't think this kind of attitude and demeanor hit until at least 12 or 13.