Let's just say our morning routine lately has been a battle of wills. I am working diligently with our behavior therapists...but sometimes frustration sets in and I revert to "normal parenting" in a not-so-normal world. Recently Weston went to school in socks...yesterday he went to the bus stop naked!
After hitting my breaking point with trying to have him don shoes (picture trying to wrestle an octopus while attempting to put shoe on one foot and keep it from removing the other shoe + other articles of clothing)...I said, "Fine, get in the car. We'll put shoes on when we get to school. Little did I know that while I was packing up the car, he chucked his shoes from where I had left them and thus, they were left behind that morning. About halfway to school I realized we had no shoes. I front-loaded the little bugger, by explaining that we did not have his shoes and that he would have to walk into school in his socks and explain to his teachers why he did not have shoes.
Upon arriving at school, he really didn't seem fazed...he marched right across the parking lot and sidewalk to enter the building. He was only bothered as everyone we passed questioned him or remarked about the missing shoes. He even tried to ditch me before we got to the classroom to encounter his teachers as he knew they would have something to say.
He learned that you miss going outside when you don't have shoes at school...kind of a big deal!
The naked bus stop trip was similar...I delighted in the fact that it was COLD yesterday morning and that even walking to the car on the chilly concrete was upsetting for him. (I did provide a blanket in the car--the photo is priceless). He was a blubbering mess the entire time we waited for the bus...wanting to "go back, start over." And was not happy with my response that we had to wait for the bus and THEN we would go back. When we got home, he was still crying (mostly drama at this point)...I pointed to the pile of clothes, instructed him to get dressed and went about my business. Slowly but surely (and of course with some added destruction to point out his irritation--kitchen chairs were flung over), the kiddo got himself dressed and even asked for help appropriately :)
Unfortunately I don't have oodles of time for these natural consequences, but since he's on spring break, I'm going to take advantage of them!
This is a great way for people to get real insight on what just a morning can be like for you Heather. Wow, I was tired just reading it all. You are an awesome mother to take Weston through these episodes. Your family is very blessed to have you.
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