Well, I did better today. It wasn't perfect, but everything I said, I evaluated. I am not sure if today was good enough to call Day 1 or not. That is okay because I just want to keep improving.
We had doctor appointments out of town today. All five kids went with me. We went in to the large pet store. The girls wanted to look at the hamsters and birds. The place was empty because it was 10:30am on a school day. I left them looking as the boys and I went to get dog food. We were only gone a few minutes and when we returned, Hannah was trying to open the door to get inside the booth behind the glass where the animals are kept. I couldn't believe it. When asked why,of course she said she wanted to go in there. (Duh, Mom, what a stupid question.) Well, I can say,I didn't lecture or lose my temper. I said that is not a good decision for a ten year old. You will hold my hand and stay next to me the rest of the day. I have heard other blog friends do this, but I have never actually made any of them hold my hand for a long period of time.
Well, she thought it was okay at first. However, we went into a large shoe store next. She discovered it was no fun to be stuck to Mom like glue when the other girls are looking around. (They were within my sight also.) I wasn't negative or ugly. I just made her hold my hand. We left the store and went to eat lunch. I made her get out of the car and hold my hand. She had to sit by me and not choose her seat. This is a big deal for her because she always wants to pick where she sits. It is a control thing with her. During the meal, I had to go to the restroom, so she had to go with me. We survived and did okay. I think it made an impression on her.
I was excited because I contained my emotions even though I couldn't believe what she was trying to do at the pet store. I may be using this form of discipline more with her because it worked well for both of us.
I guess I have finished with Day 1. It may not have been perfect, but I prayed a lot for guidance and understanding towards my girls. I think I did much better than the day before. It is like I tell my children, I tried hard and improved. Tomorrow is a new day.
How is everyone else doing?
However, homeschooling makes this a very interesting challenge. We were out of town most of the day today. I am anxious to see what tomorrow hold for all of us.
I just read your last two posts. Very good. I struggle with the same problem. Last week was the first time in 'forever' it seems, that I was not stuck in the rut of negativity. We have only just begun our attachment therapy, but it has been so helpful already. I'll have to go over to the other blog and read about the challenge! Our therapist told me not to ask "What?" or "Why?" questions. She said that their brain just can't handle that thought process yet. From my perspective, I was trying to get them to actually THINK, but I found out that they really can't yet! Hopefully, I will be getting much more help with my parenting FASD kids. It's a whole new ballgame. Thanks
ReplyDeleteOops, I'm having problems posting on my gmail account, so I have to post anony. and I forgot to put my name on!
ReplyDeletePhyllis
www.thebeadlesnewadventure.blogspot.com