ADHD Edcuation

Grade 1.

Regular school.

One which we chose because of the Principal's affinity to care for children with extra needs. It was the last one on our list, but the Resource Leader (RL) and Principal surprised me. The accommodations with in the school include:

• Break Out Rooms - for body or mental breaks.
• re bounder trampolines
• yoga
• some kiddos keep a little lego at his/her desk for a quiet fidget/manipulative
• afternoon snack & physical break
• etc, etc.

Well....the principal retired. 

Strike 1.

The RL is....administratively overloaded? Detached? 

Strike 2.

W struggles with a couple of issues at school. 

Attention....not just because of the ADHD but because he is bright, bright, bright...and therefore bored, bored, bored.  Which gets him into trouble because then he doesn't want to make any effort as it's "boring." 

As I volunteer twice a week, I am able to witness first hand W's classroom behavior, interest, etc.

So, naturally, after speaking with his teacher (whom I adore! She really makes an effort to understand W and accommodate him), my next step was a meeting with the RL. 

After hearing my concerns.....

....she recommended he transfer to a different school!  " I don't like to send kids away, but...."

The Science School as his interests are science and humanities based aaaaaaaaaaaand 

..."you have to pick your battles. Is it really important that printing/handwriting being strong? We have kids use electronic devices rather than printing" 

Needless to say, I was stunned. Silent. Cause sometimes I need to process my answers so that they are appropriate and not right off the cuff/heart.

Now let me explain we have not been in the RL's office weekly or even monthly.

W's Key Teacher has been fantastic. 

But W has ADHD and I needed help in how to engage and interest W. This is an ADHD challenge not a subject challenge.

Second meeting of the year and her hands are washed of W and it's recommended he go elsewhere next year?

Iiii-Yiii-Yiiii!!!

Sooooo...........I fired off a long, heart-felt, factual based email to the RL, Principle, and Key Teacher explaining what ADHD is, does, and how school will always have challenges for W and that as his mom I will ALWAYS advocate for him and by the way....this, this, this and this is on his IPP and it is not being met, so please do it now.

We'll see what comes of that....so until then.....GRRRRR! Momma Bear is here!

Thursday - ADHD & Me - Special School Project

Our W is a smartie...but sometimes he finds school "boring" and the topics "boring" and oh lord, how do we keep him stimulated and engaged?

Step in the teaching team! The Learning Leader (aka special ed person), Home room Teacher and the Assistant Principal arranged for W to meet with the AP twice weekly in order to work on a special project....topic of W's choice.

Of course, war was the topic because "Mom, I was made for War. Do you know why? War is in my name mom WARner."  Had I known that I would have named him Jack!
(There ya have it I gave away the W)

Well, little W is so proud and pumped today when he came home with the directions to access his project as it is complete. He even asked me to send it to everyone I know and was a tad disappointed that it would not be on "You Too". (You Tube.)

So, if  you have a couple of spare minutes, watch his video. It's cute. I love to hear him reading yet seeing "him" in army fatigues may have startled me a little but he's loving the project & so proud and so.....what does a mom know anyway?

ADHD School Blues....nixed!

Poor W was having a rough couple of weeks at school. Every other day there was a visit to the office.
Apparently, playing with a shopping cart during lunch recess....
....making fun of our national anthem while singing it.....
....slapping a friend with your glove after he hit you with his glove....
....and....I don't even remember the other....
are not acceptable behavior. (Ugh. Where does it say one can not be a little boy in grade 1?!)

When it wasn't an office visit day, W would tell me his day was "AWFUL" because class is "BORING", people were touching me during carpet time, ....
Heartbreaking! 

Have you ever felt like you were sending your child to the wolves? Daily?
It's an awful feeling. I cried everyday that W had a bad day.

During all this, did I discipline W at home? Nope. Cause he was beating himself up enough already and had received consequences at school. That's a whole other post.

I even considered only sending him half time and the other half time working at home, doing really FUN things, and focusing on emotional  and social skills.

Thankfully, his teacher asked to meet with me and the "Learning Leader" aka Special Ed Person. Before this request, the teacher and I had been emailing back and forth, sending notes, etc.
The three of us brainstormed, came up with positive ideas for W, shared some points on ADHD ie: Ferrari Brain with Bicycle Brakes, this is a compassionate kid who wants to please and is VERY BRIGHT therefore gets bored, bored, bored and is also extremely hard on himself ("I'm stoopid". I found this written  in his notebook."I'm too silly. I'm too crazy. - Gut wrenching. )

Long story short.....thank heavens for teachers who care.

Thank goodness I have the time to be involved, really involved.

Thankful that implementing these solutions: social stories, books in the breakout room, special responsibilities, getting him up earlier in the morning, bringing him home for lunch, before leaving at the end of each day W and his teacher, Mrs. H, talk about "One Good Thing" and a special project with the Assistant Principal are making a difference.

Throughout this week, each day has been a happy day and there has not been one tear shed by either of us.

Hot damn & Hallelujah!!

Bicycle Brakes & Tears

This afternoon is tear filled due to the bicycle brakes.
My tears.
W's brakes.

You're thinking....look ya big baby, why are you letting the kids ride their bikes in the winter?

Well, it's all about the ADHD....AGAIN!
 (Have I ever told you that I LOATHE adhd....due to some parts of it? I do. Grrr!)

ADHD is akin to having a Ferrari (brain) with bicycle brakes (impulse control).

So, yesterday W had the BEST day at school according to his teacher although he informed me it was awful because he got into trouble for playing with a shopping cart during lunch recess.

Gah!
What was a cart doing in the playground? And what little boy wouldn't play with it? And why did he have to sit on the bench for playing with it? Did you hurt anyone? No. Did you call people names? No. Then, why, why, why.
So, this mother sends a note to the teacher asking who she could talk to about it.....
only to find out that he LEFT the school grounds to get said cart.
Gahhh!!!
TODAY.
Upon pick up W again tells me it was the worst day ever because he was SENT TO THE OFFICE. For play slapping two friends in the face with his glove. "I wasn't trying to hurt them. I was trying to be funny and he did it to me the other day and he is a tattletale and all the teachers are wrong and this is the worst day ever."

Bicycle Brakes....with the lines cut!!!

Frick.

So....who's in tears?
Me.

What do I do to help this kid?
I'm ready to homeschool.
I'm ready to keep him home next week.
I'm ready to forgo my retreat and vow of silence (more on that later) and take him to my mom's for a week.
I'm ready to throw in the towel.
Where is the support?
Shouldn't the aide be working with him on social stuff? Social Stories?
Does he know the playground rules of not leaving? Is it discussed? Posted? What?

Yes... I know this is typical adhd stuff and we will come up against it again and again and again over his/our lifetime.

But what do I DO about it? How do I help him? His self esteem is already suffering. This morning he was saying he "I am stupid cause I always get in trouble." Heartbreaking....

So...until I figure that out....I'll just cry a little...or a lot....phone my husband and get him out of bed despite the fact that he is working night shifts and is on number 12 in a row....and then vent here.

Gahh!

ADHD Thursdays - Sleep Deprivation

The brain just does not shut off for some of these kiddos who are blessed with the gifts of ADHD. Creative thinking, plotting the next lego build, rehashing the day's events, worrying about becoming an adult, revisiting school situations in which it was required to sit on a bench and not play, and the pictures play on in W's mind as he lies in bed, wide awake, trying to sleep.

Snuggling with me, putting cold feet on my legs, listening to me read and read the latest Little House on the Prairie book, deciding he's hungry, and then falling asleep at some point after his mother has lost her last bit of patience. (Which by the way....helps NOTHING! And just adds to self esteem challenges and guilt...on both our parts!)

W's nights have been a bit of a challenge lately. Tucked in on time, read two stories, listened to his Adventures in Odyssey CD, and then.....then I heard the telltale sound of lego swishing through across the lego table.....and here we go again. Another meal, sleepytime tea...and as I write this, it's 11pm, and he's still up.

I curse the sleeplessness of ADHD.

Curses! Curses!

But oh how I would bless sleep. Beautiful sweet sleep.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Tried and true successes?

ADHD Thursday

One of the many challenges with ADHD is keeping these bright kiddos interested in learning. Couple that with a challenge in focus and staying on task and well....our work is cut out for us.

It's half way through year one of 12+ years of schooling and our W is already "BORED".
Ugh...b-o-r-e-d.

The Home Reading books are read with distaste and the "blah-blah-blah" attitude.  Now if I gave him a book on war or zombies or something else gross and morbid he would be all over it. But to find one that is age appropriate and at his reading level???? Not. Happening.

Any ideas? How to re-motivate this kid?

******************************************************************************

......and here's a little video of the boys getting ready for bed. Excuse Bup's cute bouncy tush!

ADHD Thursday

Our 6yr old son was diagnosed at the age of 3 with "severe ADHD". Over the past 3 yrs we have Incorporated many dietary changes, behavioral strategies and the like to help W. Through all these "experiments" (cause really...it is always a trial & error strategy), my heart goes out to W....even when I have felt frustrated and at my wits end.

Yesterday was no exception. In regards to my heart going out to W.

School was a challenge for W yesterday. He was just full of life....the hyperactivity and silliness was taking over....so it was hard to stay focused, sit still and not goof around in class.

This resulted in some time in the Break Out Room and even the hallway and heavy jobs, carrying,  in an attempt to slow his engine down. During the job or task, he was fine and could complete it....but as soon as it was over...well, the goofiness, distracting others, being silly, etc surfaced strong and fast.

The saddest part of all this. W DOESN'T like being this way. He knows when his engine is fast and can't get it to slow down to Just Right.

Because I was volunteering in the classroom I was able to witness some of this and talk quietly & privately to W about working hard to slow his engine down, that it's not his fault...his body just takes over, and that he can do it and have a good afternoon at school.

And he tries! He chooses to stay at his desk when the others are in Circle Time because he knows he can manage better at his desk. He tries to self regulate but that hated hyperactivity takes over.

Did my heart stretch and throb when he asked to come home with me? Requesting to NOT stay at school even if it meant missing a cool outdoor Science Experiment and afternoon art project.

Yes!

Did I feel like the meanest mom ever when I advised he must stay at school because at home meant nap time? Only to see his sad little face fall even further?

Yes!!!

Did he stay and have a successful afternoon?

Yes!

W in August. Photo by Blue Lilly.

Do I absolutely LOATHE hyperactivity?

Yes!!!

What would you have done? Do you have any "new" strategies for hyperactivity?

Helpless

Maybe it was today's wind....why not? These Chinook winds bring headaches and all sorts of maladies to people. Which on a blustery day like today, well, it's no wonder. Crazy winds! Close downtown Calgary due to the winds & danger, kind of winds....but no, it's not due to the wind...

.....it's the ADHD monster.

Grocery shopping on a sunday can test the patience of ANYONE just based on volume. Today was weird. I was calm. The rest of the world was not. Signs and garbage and grocery carts and such were blowing everywhere ( I do not exaggerate!). Debit machines were down. People were huffy. I was calm.

Shocking, I know!

My W was not. He was FAST. His engine was running on overdrive. Dialled up. Happy. Just High. Singing Christmas songs.....walking fast....on the cart, off the cart, on the cart, off the cart...but staying with me.

The second grocery store which we desperately needed as it's the only one in our community that carries spelt or kamut bread....was a strange experience. There was hardly anyone there....and the debit/credit machines were not working so there was a 7 person line up for the in-store bank machine.

The ATM machine is in an entrance with automatic doors and a large pop and microwave popcorn display. Welllllll......while we waited one boy sat on the window sill wearing his Santa hat and eating his bun.

The other boy circled the pop display....sneaking behind and around....trying to trick me....smiling away....eventually I asked him to show me how he can be the best listener and sit down (because he had went out the doors & wasn't listening....by this time we're getting a look or two from other patrons....& I frankly don't care). So down he sits beside his little brother....glancing and smirking at me....until he couldn't handle it anymore.....

.....and he snuck behind the pop display with a light giggle. I had just finished saying "Come on out"...when he KNOCKED OVER the popcorn display.

Oh mannnn!

People were not pleased. Goodness adults can be passive-aggressive crusties! I ignored them, calmly walked over to W, and advised him to pick it all up. Which he did. Without complaint. Bup and I helped with the last few boxes and off we went to purchase our bread.

And that's when he said it. Holding my hand, bouncing around....

"I feel helpless."

Ugh. Right into the heart. A spike.

I can hardly see due to the shining lightbulb that just went off in my head.

As I crouch down, hold him by the hand, and ask W to look me in the eye, I respond,

"You are. "

"What?! You're say I'm helpless??!!"

"Where's your engine?"

"Fast!"

"Yes, it's FAST W. I know this. I know you can't help it. I know you aren't making it this way. That's why I agree that you are helpless. I am NOT mad at you. I know you don't want to be fast. I know it's hard for you right now. BUT I have to help you. I have to correct you, protect you and help you with that fast engine. Okay? Look in my eyes. Okay?"

Oh! That realization (again) that W can feel he's out of control, but cannot stop it and does not like it......well, what can I say?

It's headshaking.....wrong....sad.....frustrating....heartbreaking.....and screams VOLUMES to me.

My little man.

So, if you see a child bouncing to no end out there....and a mom just going along, trying to adjust as she can.....stop before you judge. Maybe that child is feeling "helpless" like my 6 yr old did today.

Two Boys

These two little men keep me guessing and exhausted and laughing and a whole sort of things.

As you know, as a family we deal with ADHD and Tuberous Sclerosis on a daily basis. Lately, though the management of ADHD symptoms has been on the forefront of our radar. Which is in evitable cause it kind of has an "in your face" personality. So, TSC takes the back burner at times. Unfortunately, it's sneaking to the forefront again.

An afternoon spent at Clinical Genetics...for what I thought was supposed to be reviewing me and the hubster's Opthamology tests. Consequently, W and I didn't go just Bup and his Daddio and the fellow Geneticist was a little surprised and maybe not pleased? Oops!

Most of the appointment was reviewing info that is old news to us. Dr. Fellow Genetics trying to get to know us, I guess.

Although she was concerned about Bup's inability to draw lines and circles on demand. Really? He's 3yrs. Is he behind? I don't know. Didn't think so. This kid has the best tripod grip I've ever seen and has been counting over 20 for years. Seriously. Maybe there's some fine motor stuff to consider? Colors are an issue. We know that. He just isn't consistent with colors. Often cannot tell you the color but can pick it out. I find myself wondering if he really can't or WON'T. ?? Stumps me.

The date for Bup's long stay video EEG is set for March 21. Now to plan on how to entertain an almost 4yr old for a week in a hospital room. Read cannot leave the room...in fact maybe not even the bed. Help!

Trileptal change...seems to be working. One "Wiggly Hand" today and they seem to be decreasing in frequency.

Two boys, two little men who like to throw us curve balls, and two different diagnoses to keep one step ahead of.

Motion Therapy

Our boy W is a high energy fella.

He needs an avenue to release this...or there he'll create one which can lead to all sorts of excitement. So, my favorite husband and I have been talking about how we need to lead a planned structured life at all times. We also feel he needs to have more activity based items/toys at home.

Well, did I strike the jackpot today! Kijiji and $15 brought this little baby to us! A stationary bike with learning video games. A good reward item and expend some energy too. Considering it's winter and ridiculously cold right now, this is perfect.

It hasn't been hooked up yet and W and R have been taking turns riding it all evening and there's been no climbing, jumping or sliding down the banister.

It's a hit!

Dairy...oh how I dislike thee.

So, we tried dairy again. Goat milk. After much begging and pleading from W, we gave it a go, starting on Saturday. Allowing goat milk with cereal in the mornings and the odd glass throughout the day. Maybe two a day.

What a regret.

By Monday, W spent the day on the couch. Which I thought was weird, but just chalked up to a busy camping weekend.

Tuesday.....super runny nose.

Wednesday....ear infection and super runny nose. Crying in the afternoon because his ear hurts so badly. Crying when drops were administered. Which is completely unlike W.

Thursday....it's almost 3am as I write this....W is awake due to coughing; ear still sore, nose still running. Thank goodness for the couch, a cozy blanket, and Leapster. After an hour or so of struggling to sleep, we are now settled on the couch for a while.

Oh, Dairy, how could you do this to us....again? We were desperately hoping for a change. For the ability to enjoy a little goat milk. No such luck. I guess it was worth a try.....???

Now, due to this reaction, W and I will be missing out on Canada Day festivities, and a trip to the Ponoka Stampede as well. Instead, we will be laying low, napping, and off to the chiropractor to help those ears drain and stay open. Ah....summer fun!

Dairy...oh how I dislike thee.

So, we tried dairy again. Goat milk. After much begging and pleading from W, we gave it a go, starting on Saturday. Allowing goat milk with cereal in the mornings and the odd glass throughout the day. Maybe two a day.

What a regret.

By Monday, W spent the day on the couch. Which I thought was weird, but just chalked up to a busy camping weekend.

Tuesday.....super runny nose.

Wednesday....ear infection and super runny nose. Crying in the afternoon because his ear hurts so badly. Crying when drops were administered. Which is completely unlike W.

Thursday....it's almost 3am as I write this....W is awake due to coughing; ear still sore, nose still running. Thank goodness for the couch, a cozy blanket, and Leapster. After an hour or so of struggling to sleep, we are now settled on the couch for a while.

Oh, Dairy, how could you do this to us....again? We were desperately hoping for a change. For the ability to enjoy a little goat milk. No such luck. I guess it was worth a try.....???

Now, due to this reaction, W and I will be missing out on Canada Day festivities, and a trip to the Ponoka Stampede as well. Instead, we will be laying low, napping, and off to the chiropractor to help those ears drain and stay open. Ah....summer fun!

Tears from the Heart

Children are the keepers of our hearts, aren't they?

Yes, they're also the little mites that cause us the most weariness and frustration while in the next moment causing our smiles to beam and hearts to swell.

This evening the boys and I attended my nieces 17th birthday celebration. The fact that Shiny is 17 at all blows my mind. I remember very well being 17....it feels like yesterday. I'm old aren't I?

Anyway, prior to birthday parties the boys and I always discuss what to expect, how to act, etc. And tonight was no different. (Except I left the "earmuffs" at home by accident.) Group singing is one of those things that hurts W's ears beyond compare. The sensory pain is rampant and strong when a lot of people are singing, which obviously happens at birthday parties.

Now, did I ever think that at the end of Grace, there would be a lot of loud noise to hurt this little one's ears? Never. It did not cross my thoughtless mind. For some reason there was some cheering and laughing.....

...and I saw my little man melt.

I saw him sit with his elbows on the tables, his hands tightly covering his ears, his lip tremble and eyes fill with tears as he tried so hard not to cry. I scooted around the table to comfort him immediately, while telling W, "It's okay, It's okay" but I was too late. The damage was done and rather than cry in front of everyone, he took off. Ran out the front door and was going home to get his ear muffs, the tears streaming down his little face.

Ugh.

Gut wrenching.

Eventually I convinced him to come in the house, go the basement where it was quiet and we would all leave, the three of us. I was barely keeping it together when W agreed for me to get his earmuffs. So off I went home (it's only 3k away...no biggie...) and sobbed the whole drive. It just broke my heart! To see him hurting and fighting so hard to keep it together....to want to escape so badly....to hurt so deeply....it hurts. I just wish and wish and wish that W didn't have these struggles and could enjoy a birthday party like most other kids....singing and eating cake too.

When we left the party, there were more tears because W wanted cake and doesn't ever get it! (Thankfully, my sister is thoughtful and did not present cake until we had left.)

Oh, if only one day, life in general will be a little easier for my boy, W. Does a parent ever ask for anything more? Really ask for more? Not really. No.

Until then, we'll keep moving forward....and sharing a tear or two.

Tears from the Heart

Children are the keepers of our hearts, aren't they?

Yes, they're also the little mites that cause us the most weariness and frustration while in the next moment causing our smiles to beam and hearts to swell.

This evening the boys and I attended my nieces 17th birthday celebration. The fact that Shiny is 17 at all blows my mind. I remember very well being 17....it feels like yesterday. I'm old aren't I?

Anyway, prior to birthday parties the boys and I always discuss what to expect, how to act, etc. And tonight was no different. (Except I left the "earmuffs" at home by accident.) Group singing is one of those things that hurts W's ears beyond compare. The sensory pain is rampant and strong when a lot of people are singing, which obviously happens at birthday parties.

Now, did I ever think that at the end of Grace, there would be a lot of loud noise to hurt this little one's ears? Never. It did not cross my thoughtless mind. For some reason there was some cheering and laughing.....

...and I saw my little man melt.

I saw him sit with his elbows on the tables, his hands tightly covering his ears, his lip tremble and eyes fill with tears as he tried so hard not to cry. I scooted around the table to comfort him immediately, while telling W, "It's okay, It's okay" but I was too late. The damage was done and rather than cry in front of everyone, he took off. Ran out the front door and was going home to get his ear muffs, the tears streaming down his little face.

Ugh.

Gut wrenching.

Eventually I convinced him to come in the house, go the basement where it was quiet and we would all leave, the three of us. I was barely keeping it together when W agreed for me to get his earmuffs. So off I went home (it's only 3k away...no biggie...) and sobbed the whole drive. It just broke my heart! To see him hurting and fighting so hard to keep it together....to want to escape so badly....to hurt so deeply....it hurts. I just wish and wish and wish that W didn't have these struggles and could enjoy a birthday party like most other kids....singing and eating cake too.

When we left the party, there were more tears because W wanted cake and doesn't ever get it! (Thankfully, my sister is thoughtful and did not present cake until we had left.)

Oh, if only one day, life in general will be a little easier for my boy, W. Does a parent ever ask for anything more? Really ask for more? Not really. No.

Until then, we'll keep moving forward....and sharing a tear or two.

Sweet Potato Enchilada

Super-yum! This GFCF recipe was a total hit at last night's dinner. Even our niece who doesn't normally like sweet potatoes raved about it. Funnily enough, growing up I didn't like them either and my dad was a huge fan. It's the southern influence I guess. Growing up with Kentucky rellies results in lovin' the southern food....sweet potatas, milk gravy,hushpuppies, catfish, etc. As a kid they were just baked with a touch of brown sugar and butter, and as an adult, I'm trying all sorts of different recipes and truly like them....sometimes. THIS is one of those times!

Sweet Potato Enchilada

1 large onion or leek, diced

1 tsp minced garlic

1/8 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp coriander

1/4 tsp chili powder

Dash cayenne pepper

1/8 tsp garlic powder

3-4 cups sweet potatoes, boiled & mashed - I use a mix of sweet potatoes & yams.

1/2 cup salsa

8 GF corn tortillas cut in quarters

CF cheese ( Cashew Cheese is the cheese of choice in our house)

Saute onion and garlic. Or steam together in the microwave. Add spices to onion mixture and cook until translucent. Add to mashed sweet potatoes. Adjust seasonings. Spray a baking pan with oil. Layer with half of the salsa, half of the tortillas, sweet potatoes, remaining salsa, and remaining corn tortillas. Top with CF Cheese, if using. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, until done.

Yield: 8 servings-193 calories per serving.

Courtesy of The Kid Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook

Sweet Potato Enchilada

Super-yum! This GFCF recipe was a total hit at last night's dinner. Even our niece who doesn't normally like sweet potatoes raved about it. Funnily enough, growing up I didn't like them either and my dad was a huge fan. It's the southern influence I guess. Growing up with Kentucky rellies results in lovin' the southern food....sweet potatas, milk gravy,hushpuppies, catfish, etc. As a kid they were just baked with a touch of brown sugar and butter, and as an adult, I'm trying all sorts of different recipes and truly like them....sometimes. THIS is one of those times!

Sweet Potato Enchilada

1 large onion or leek, diced

1 tsp minced garlic

1/8 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp coriander

1/4 tsp chili powder

Dash cayenne pepper

1/8 tsp garlic powder

3-4 cups sweet potatoes, boiled & mashed - I use a mix of sweet potatoes & yams.

1/2 cup salsa

8 GF corn tortillas cut in quarters

CF cheese ( Cashew Cheese is the cheese of choice in our house)

Saute onion and garlic. Or steam together in the microwave. Add spices to onion mixture and cook until translucent. Add to mashed sweet potatoes. Adjust seasonings. Spray a baking pan with oil. Layer with half of the salsa, half of the tortillas, sweet potatoes, remaining salsa, and remaining corn tortillas. Top with CF Cheese, if using. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, until done.

Yield: 8 servings-193 calories per serving.

Courtesy of The Kid Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook

Psych Visit Update

Good news!

The sat meeting with Mr. Psych went well. He is completely on board with W's need for continued support throughout the school year and agrees that W is at risk....risk to lose the PUF because he is doing so well at school and risk for regression if he doesn't have the much needed support. SO.....here's hoping that the assessments by all involved will show the Ministry of Education that our little W is still eligible for PUF.

It amazes me how much this actually stresses me and how I show that stress. Prior to the meeting I was so grouchy and felt this huge chip growing on my shoulder like Mt. Rundle. Then after the meeting was over, even though it went well, I was still short until I just gave in....went to my room and had a good cry. Then all was well.

It's interesting to me how My Favorite Husband and I have a different outlook and deal with this type of info differently. I have a lot to learn from MFH. He sees the positive, is relieved and happy. I remain feeling pushed down by the huge chip on my shoulder, the energy of having to "advocate"...FIGHT...for our child...and then need a release....like a good cry.

Regardless....we are heading in the right direction for W.

Psych Visit Update

Good news!

The sat meeting with Mr. Psych went well. He is completely on board with W's need for continued support throughout the school year and agrees that W is at risk....risk to lose the PUF because he is doing so well at school and risk for regression if he doesn't have the much needed support. SO.....here's hoping that the assessments by all involved will show the Ministry of Education that our little W is still eligible for PUF.

It amazes me how much this actually stresses me and how I show that stress. Prior to the meeting I was so grouchy and felt this huge chip growing on my shoulder like Mt. Rundle. Then after the meeting was over, even though it went well, I was still short until I just gave in....went to my room and had a good cry. Then all was well.

It's interesting to me how My Favorite Husband and I have a different outlook and deal with this type of info differently. I have a lot to learn from MFH. He sees the positive, is relieved and happy. I remain feeling pushed down by the huge chip on my shoulder, the energy of having to "advocate"...FIGHT...for our child...and then need a release....like a good cry.

Regardless....we are heading in the right direction for W.

Saturday Morning Pscyh

As I enjoy my morning toast and diet coke (yup...cokin' it this am), there is a robin perched on the peak of our neighbors garage while I make lists in my mind and on paper, trying to repel the anxiety that comes with this morning's visit from our psychologist.
Saturday morning psych visit.
Who ever thought these took place?
I am grateful...believe me, I am. Just nervous.
W is doing so incredibly well in pre-school. Yes, he still has the wiggles and has to be prompted to stay on task for more than 5-7 minutes, struggles with pre-printing skills, circle time is one of constant reminders, hates using scissors or crayons the proper way, yet he is happy there, is a role model for other kids, loves, loves, loves story time and is exceeding our expectations socially.
Our pscychologist always sees how great W is doing in school.
Will this help us with support for next year? That is my fear. That "THEY" will only look at how far he's come....not what got him there....and decide that W will be fine without support for kindergarten.
No support? May as well throw him to the wolves. The support and small class size is what has done the trick for our little man.
I'm nervous. Worried. Anxious.
Hopefully, Mr. Psych will see the whole picture, the big picture, not just the little detail in the center and support W in his quest for learning.
It's one hour until the visit begins so I ought to tidy the kitchen and get W out of his pjs.

Saturday Morning Pscyh

As I enjoy my morning toast and diet coke (yup...cokin' it this am), there is a robin perched on the peak of our neighbors garage while I make lists in my mind and on paper, trying to repel the anxiety that comes with this morning's visit from our psychologist.
Saturday morning psych visit.
Who ever thought these took place?
I am grateful...believe me, I am. Just nervous.
W is doing so incredibly well in pre-school. Yes, he still has the wiggles and has to be prompted to stay on task for more than 5-7 minutes, struggles with pre-printing skills, circle time is one of constant reminders, hates using scissors or crayons the proper way, yet he is happy there, is a role model for other kids, loves, loves, loves story time and is exceeding our expectations socially.
Our pscychologist always sees how great W is doing in school.
Will this help us with support for next year? That is my fear. That "THEY" will only look at how far he's come....not what got him there....and decide that W will be fine without support for kindergarten.
No support? May as well throw him to the wolves. The support and small class size is what has done the trick for our little man.
I'm nervous. Worried. Anxious.
Hopefully, Mr. Psych will see the whole picture, the big picture, not just the little detail in the center and support W in his quest for learning.
It's one hour until the visit begins so I ought to tidy the kitchen and get W out of his pjs.