This has been a weekend full of discussion. The kids are going back to school soon. New behaviors are emerging. New plans are forming. This morning, we were all outside playing and it got too hot. Jasper was digging at our garden wall. I had the great idea that Jerry and Jasper could build a garden wall with Jaspers blocks while Ella and I painted flowers. Separate but together. Independent but joint. Well, it never even got off the ground. Jasper yanked the iPad out of Ellas hands and it was meltdown central and we were on to plan E before I could blink. I told Jerry that mothers are destined for failure. Typical/atypical, it doesnt matter. Set up an activity--they dont want to do it, tech time--guilt for not being involved, messy house--lazy mom, cleaning the house--disinterested mom. In the end, you know its all about rolling with it, finding the moments of joy and learning (manufactured or spontaneous). But DAMN. Did I mess this whole thermometer thing up? Have I created a whole new source of anxiety for Jasper that I didnt even think of? The ultimate goal, and how we created it from the start, was to teach Jasper to recognize when he was getting to elevated and to play his Pete the Cat Quick Break card, and to either remove himself completely or to get a calming activity for a few minutes so he didnt push over to red and lose control. And it worked!! We have been phasing out the colors and the thermometer this summer, just asking him if he needs a break, and so far, so good. But now Im worried hes going to start kindergarten and have his little heart broken because he wants to please so badly. AaaaGgggghhhhhh!!!! teachinginprogress.blogspot/2012/10/why-i-will-never-use-behavior-chart.html?m=1
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 16:54:40 +0000