My Kids Hate School

What do I do when my kids hate school? 

Sending our boys to school in California was like pulling teeth every morning. SG associated school with loads of homework and complained every single day of the never-ending schoolwork in class, while LG had the toughest time settling in TK–– we pulled him out two weeks before the end of the school year because he would constantly cry and not want to stay in his classroom.

There was a point where we considered homeschooling because we were ready to throw in the towel and say, "Forget it, the public education system isn't doing it for them" (This was when we lived in Hercules).

Send your kids to a different school

We recently moved to Washington state, and I had the intention of homeschooling our boys for their first year in a new state, just until they were settled. However, the thought of meeting new friends and meeting new families happens when your outside engaged with the community— whether it's at the park or in school. So, we chose the latter and decided to enroll them at the local elementary school in Lakewood, Washington.

This school they attend in Washington is different–– it's been a positive experience for our boys and we're happy with how our kids have transitioned into a new school and are off to a great start!

Now, I’m not suggesting to move to a different state to try out a different school. But, there are other options for educating your children— it just takes finding the right one that aligns with your family values.

Find a school that aligns with your family values.

My boys attend Lake Louise Elementary School. Being an involved parent with drop off/pick up and volunteering in the classroom, I’ve noticed a few things that I can appreciate about this school:

Student expectations and values–– starting with their morning routine. Students and staff gather under the play shed to listen to the principal's message (rain or shine). Then, a selected class gathers upfront to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and the school cheer.

School Cheer

We are Lake Louise Cougars

We are respectful, responsible and ready to learn.

We are kind, caring towards others and work hard every day to reach our goals.

I'm proud to be a Cougar.

Let me see you cougar paws,

Let me see your cougar claws,

Go Cougars!

The school incorporates physical activity outside of the classroom–– they actually have a PE teacher! And, a grassy area to play on (SG started off just playing on the swings, but now he looks forward to playing soccer during his lunch recess).

My Kindergartener is learning sign language.

And, I highly appreciate that the teachers and staff teach and enforce students as early as Kindergarten about making positive choices. They reward students with "Gotcha" tickets when they go above and beyond the behavior protocol and the ability to "clip up" on their behavior charts when they demonstrate “respect, responsibility, and ready to learn”.

SG truly appreciates that homework is minimal–– a reading packet and a math worksheet, due at the end of the week. We're no longer forcing him to get homework done nightly, and he's become more independent and responsible with getting it done by himself and on time. LP’s Kindergarten teacher assigns a nightly math worksheet, but students are not required to turn it back in. However, to get in a good habit, we explain to LP the importance of finishing the assignment and turning it in on time.

From the constant morning complaint as we’re heading out the door, "Why do I have to go to school?" and LP crying, "Mommy, I want you to stay next to me in line." it's a miracle that we can now leave the house with no complaints and crying. We're now being told, "Mom, it's 8:15, I don't want to be late." and, “Mommy, I like school. You don’t have to stay with me anymore.” It's truly a great feeling not having to fight a battle with my boys about school every Monday-Friday. (Crossing our fingers it stays this way until the end of the school year and years to come).