I really need some advice on how to help my brother. Working with him has been quite challenging. He’s 14 years old and has already been held back twice in school, and now he’s repeating 7th grade for the second time.
The bigger issue is that he’s currently on track to fail 7th grade again. He doesn’t complete his assignments, and when I try to offer help, he often ignores me. Even when I sit down with him to teach, he either changes the subject or shows no interest in learning.
I’m feeling pretty lost about how to motivate him. It’s tough to understand how to make someone care about their education.
I’m genuinely concerned that he may not earn a high school diploma at this rate, which would greatly limit his job opportunities in the future.
I would appreciate any suggestions or strategies you might have to help him. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re facing a tough situation with your brother, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated and concerned. Here are some strategies that might help:
Open Communication: Start a conversation with him about school and how he feels about it. Sometimes, understanding his perspective can shed light on why he’s disengaged. He might be feeling overwhelmed, bored, or even anxious about schoolwork.
Identify Interests: Find out what he enjoys outside of school. Incorporating his interests into learning could make it more engaging for him. For instance, if he’s into video games, you could draw parallels between game strategies and problem-solving in math.
Set Realistic Goals: Help him set small, achievable goals rather than focusing on the bigger picture. Celebrate the small victories to help build his confidence. For example, completing a single homework assignment can be a good start.
Create a Structured Environment: Establish a consistent routine that includes dedicated time for studying, but also breaks to avoid overwhelming him. A structured environment can help him know what to expect.
Seek Professional Help: If possible, consider talking to a school counselor or seeking tutoring to provide additional support. They may also have resources for behavioral issues or learning disabilities that could be affecting him.
Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach him to communicate his needs and challenges. Helping him learn how to reach out for help can empower him.
Be Patient and Supportive: Change won’t happen overnight. Show him that you care about his success and are there to support him, but also encourage him to take ownership of his education.
Explore Alternative Learning Methods: If traditional school isn’t resonating with him, look into alternative education options that might better suit his learning style. Sometimes a different approach can rekindle interest.
Ultimately, your support is crucial, but remember that he needs to want to change for it to really be effective. Try to keep the lines of communication open and let him know that you believe in him.