Not sure what we're doin'....

But something's going right! I'm not one for counting my eggs before they've hatched, as I always feel like the other shoe is about to drop. A bit pessimistic, I know. But lately, I find myself at peace. This is a bit of a shocker to me, considering I was weaned off my meds a couple months back!

Hayden is doing great! Great in school, great at home, great on her meds. Now, don't get me wrong, her life is still a challenge..always will be, but I feel like we're finally getting the hang of it. Her moods swings are not as erratic. Well, maybe they are and I'm just handling them better? I feel like I'm more understanding, accepting and patient with her OCD. I feel like I'm starting to understand (although I really don't!) her fears, which are turning into phobias. I'm trying to be kinder and gentler with her. I've been taking her into great consideration when accepting invites to big functions that overwhelm her and give her anxiety. I know I can ask her to go to Target or San Tan Village with me, but Costco or an indoor mall is not preferrable for her. When she just really wants to stay home and stim, I allow that, instead of fight it.

We've realized that tag-teaming her homework is key to getting it finished with as few tears as possible. If one of us starts and we notice her get frustrated, and the one helping does too, the other is listening for cues to take over with a different approach. I think running club has completely boosted her self-confidence, which, I think was as about as low as one could get, at 7 years old.

I'm literally getting smiles when she gets out of the car in the mornings, instead of scowls. Even a a hug or two on slight occasion.

Her teacher even sent me an email this this morning saying that she is having an AMAZING week. That she understood her math and got 100% on an assessment. She's never received 100% on anything. And that was a non-modified assessment, at that! Her progress report came home with her lowest assesment being at 80%. That's above average people!! She even said that she wishes she could "package Hayden and clone her". That she's "such a sweet girl" and has "watched her come out of her shell and really blossom in such a short time".

Over Winter break, I heard in passing on a tv interview, someone say that you should talk to your kids like someone you respect is always listening. I've been really trying hard to be cognisant (sp?) of that. I can't help but wonder if that is where some of her happiness and confidence stem from too? I think our approaches around the house have really made a great difference in her disposition. It wasn't a mean and negative place before...but you could definately feel aggravation on all accounts.