Motivating kids to do schoolwork...

I have two daughters who will be starting up school again this year in a week's time. Last year was a pain for us all with schoolwork, as neither girl wanted to do their work. Husband and I were very dedicated students, so this is quite difficult for us to deal with. Annika is 6 and will be entering first grade, so it is really important for her to get on the right track now. Last year in kindergarten, she struggled with getting work done, preferring to play and relax or even let others complete work for her. Anya is turning nine and heading into third grade. She is used to homework and such, but throws a tantrum about it and seems to have a very hard time getting her work done and done well. Last year, we instituted a policy of homework getting done right after snack time once we get home from school, so I could get it out of my hair before dinner time. However, as the school year progressed, things got more challenging and this didn't cut it anymore. To make matters worse, my family moved back to Denmark this summer for a few years for my husband's job. Both girls were born here, but neither remembers and it may be a difficult adjustment to the new school. Does anybody have anything to help us out with?

Thanks,

Elaine "Elli" Marks, my husband, Lucas, and my daughters, Annika and Anya

Excuse me!

Thank you for your response, but I think you have taken my post in the wrong way. Lucas and I DO love our daughters for what they are, which is bright, creative, funny, polite, beautiful, and talented little girls! We do not try to push them to be anything other than what they want to be, but I do believe that every child needs a little guidance at some time in her life, and that is what I want to offer to my girls. I love the dedication that Annika gives to her gymnastics, and I am exceedingly proud of that, but it concerns me that she is willing to give so much to that and not to her schooling, which, I know, at six seems ridiculous. The school she is in seems to be moving at a much faster rate and higher level than I recall even Anya having, and I don't want Anni to fall behind. I don't however agree that at 6 a child should learn only through play. If she decides to continue gymnastics, she will need something to fall back on and I firmly believe that one's education is the best thing a parent can give a child. Anya, too, is very talented in many regards. She is an excellent scientist, avid reader, and talented artist, but she refuses to put effort into spelling, writing, grammar, and mathematics. School is a total package in my opinion, and I refuse to allow her to slack in some areas simply because she doesn't like them as well. And, the comments coming toward me from Anya's teachers, saying she can't get her work done well, hurt me and make me want to help her be her best. It's not that my girls don't have the ability, because I know they do, but I was more asking for ways to motivate them or help them change their attitude or outlook toward school in general for Annika and certain subjects in school for Anya.

My girls certainly are good enough for me - they are better than I could have ever asked for - and I'm sorry that it didn't come across in my earlier post. However, I do not appreciate your accusatory tone, and I merely ask that you please offer some advice about what I could do to help my children rather than accuse me of improper parenting.

Thank you.

Elli, Lucas, Anya, and Annika Marks