Sweet Girl got glasses this past month. She is extremely far sighted so much so that her eye muscles were always stretched and it was giving her a headache. She is doing pretty well with them and likes them...most of the time.
Sweet Heart has made some huge steps. She has earned the privilege to have friends come over and have sleep overs once a month and to go to her friends' houses. She has worked hard on developing a morning routine so she can get to school on time. I downloaded (for free) and student control journal (it's a PDF at the bottom of the page on the right hand sidebar.) She has set to work on that and seems to be figuring what will work for you. Now she is getting up with an alarm clock! She only needs reminding a little in the morning. She helped me bring the the groceries the other day...without being asked! She is getting along better with Sweet Girl (part of the P&R.) She is managing her time so much better. She is learning to communicate better.
It's all a bunch of baby steps which lead to big steps. I asked her what respect looked like to her. She said hugs and kisses and getting help when she asks for it. I have noticed that respect is offering help and being listened to.
I had both of the girls take the 5 love languages for kids assessment online (also free.) That put some insight into their needs right now. I took it myself about 6 months ago and took it again. Things have changed a bit. More good information.
We got sweetie Heart a cell phone. Yes, I know she's only 8. But when I asked myself, "What would it take for Sweetie Heart to feel more confident in walking and going places alone?" a cell phone was the answer. Also because she walks to school alone and home from school some days it keeps her safe because she can call me.
Here's a conversation we had this week:
SH: Mom, what does hot mean?
M: You know what hot means.
SH: No, I don't.
:::You see where this is going, right?
M: Can you use it in a sentence?
SH: Kat said, so and so actor, is hot.
M:(trying not to laugh) Well, that means someone is handsome.
SH: Ohhh, I get it. I think he's cute, too.
And here's an experience:
I signed Sweetie Heart up for a free martial arts class at the school. She didn't really want to do it, but it is focusing on bullying and since she's already had a bit of that go on a couple of years ago Webby & I feel it is important. Plus, she is beautiful and smart and oft times those kids are the ones targeted.
She went last week and liked it pretty well, but didn't want to go this week. She told me she didn't want to go. I asked why, but she didn't have a reason. So I told her she needed to go. I was at the grocery store when I got a call from her cell phone. It was her teacher saying that Sweetie Heart was crying and didn't want to go. I told her she didn't have to go, but I was at the store so she was going to have to wait for me.
When I arrived at the school I sat down next to her and asked her what was going on. She said she didn't know, she was just tired and didn't want to go. So I was firm and kind, I told her she didn't have to go. If she decided to come home she would need to go to bed 30 minutes earlier. The choice was hers to make. She grumped a bit. She stalled. I told her we needed to go. She mumbled that she would go. I offered to take her down, she took my hand and we went down to the gym (they were still stretching when she went in.) Several friends said, "Yeah, 'Sweetie Heart' is here."
When I went to pick her up she stormed pasted me, arms crossed, giving me a dirty look. We got into the car and drove home. I didn't say anything about it. We just all moved forward. Seems like after a couple of minutes she moved on too. That's when she helped me bring in the groceries.
Enjoy the pictures!
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