Pitfalls of Homeschooling the Compliant Child

Homeschooling an obedient, compliant child seems like a stress-free dream come true for most parents.  These kids generally have pleasing dispositions, are easy to get along with, move with the flow, don't look for fights and take direction well.  Because of this, when they are in trouble they don't always throw up the white flag.
I am blessed with "one of those" kids.  But, recently I have had to learn their subtle signals for help.
Unlike a "vocal / opinionated " child, the compliant child isn't as quick to announce that they are having problems.
If you are homeschooling a compliant child, here are some cues to look for:
*Subtle changes in temperament especially regarding  a previously well-loved subject.
* Procrastination!
*Vague answers in regards to completed work
* Avoidance of discussions about school
My compliant child is my oldest, who is a 9th grader.  For the most part, schooling him has been a piece of cake.  He's highly adaptable, handles pressure well and generally goes with the flow of life.
Earlier this year he expressed a very strong interest in computers - both in building and programming.  We found a great curriculum and he was off and running!
Last week, I noticed he didn't pick up his Computer Science book directly after morning devotions - in fact, it was the last thing he did during his school day.
That should have been my first clue.  The next was the subtle lack of enthusiasm for a programming project.  Hmmmm...
I knew he was nearing the end of the semester study in this subject.  So, picking up his book, I noticed that the last chapter was ALL about a final project.  There was active programming to be done everyday.  I knew he had read the material, but hadn't been using the program on the computer the whole week.  It was too much to do in one sitting - so there had to be a problem.
I pulled him aside to talk.  In true "compliant" form, it took a while to get at the root.  Turns out he had gotten "lost" 2 chapters ago and wasn't quite sure what to do.  Since I didn't pick up on the subtle hints, I continued to move him along in his work.
I reassured him that its perfectly fine to take more time on a concept that he didn't understand.  Especially in subjects where knowledge builds upon itself.  BUT, it was very important to speak up earlier and not wait.
Fortunately this was only a two week set-back.  What he needed most was a block of quiet/uninterrupted time to go back and find the missing piece before continuing on.
The moral of this story?  If you are blessed with 'one of these' kids, listen and watch carefully for subtle cues that can be a signal for help!SPECIAL OFFER FOR Homeschool Circus SUBSCRIBERS through October 31: Use code LISAtips for a $19.99 discount when you buy any curriculum CD Library plus Spanish Empire library. This post written and property of Homeschool Circus and can be found at: www.upatdawnreadytowork.com.