How to motivate???

My DS is in the 2nd grade and he is finding it much more difficult than 1st grade. Whenever he finds something difficult or doesn't understand it, he just gives up and doesn't even want to try. I feel like I am running out of options. I want him to do well in school - to learn above all else - but I just don't even know what to try anymore. Any suggestions on what works for you? TIA.

Re: How to motivate???

What about getting him a tutor? Having some 1 on 1 might help him.

How to motivate???

I thought about a tutor but I do his homework with him everyday, and DH as well when he is home. Since it's 2nd grade, we can still help him (when he's older or taking a subject we don't know, we may not be able to help him anymore). I don't know that a tutor would be able to do anything other than what we're currently doing. Thank you for the suggestion though.

Re: How to motivate???

What does he struggled with? Math or reading? I would suggest a tutor as well or any outside form of help. DS (he is on 2nd grade) does kumon and I've found that it is easier for him to do homework and to learn with others than with me. There are other places good for kids like enopi, etc. Kumon is more traditional and it is getting further for what they learn in school (specially math related). Or maybe talk to his teacher to know exactly what they are learning and how to help him at home. Last year they were learning strategies to add and subtract and I didn't know them. Once I knew what they were doing, it was easier for me to understand his homework and help him.

How to motivate???

I understand what he's learning, and it's not one subject that he has issues with. It just seems to be certain concepts in math or particular spelling words. He seems pretty good in vocabulary. In spelling he says he just can't remember how to spell them. In math, sometimes it just doesn't seem to click (and I can see the look on his face when it finally does). I don't want him to hate homework so much or have it take so long because he's struggling. Maybe I'll look into a tutoring center. Thanks to both of you.