That's the question I'm asked everyday by Will. Since school ended a couple of weeks ago he has had a really hard time transitioning into a more unstructured day. I've noticed this when he starts talking about how we HAVE to have lunch at 12. What should we have for lunch? Will you make me lunch at 12? I've made a schedule on his calendar whiteboard. He doesnt' really follow it, but I think it gives him a sense of timing to look at it. Yesterday was a doozy and I haven't seen behaviors and meltdowns like this in a long time. It finally ended when I got him into a bath to calm down. It wasn't pretty. So each day I've had to plan something to keep him engaged and busy and trying to fulfill his sensory needs.
Trips to the barn to visit with the animals.
Saturday morning farmers market. He just loves going there knowing he can get a breakfast sandwich, huge cinnamon roll and then an ice cream from the new ice cream shop. This kid can EAT lately. I love going to get my fresh veggies.
Sunday he used his kids cookbook to make a batch of vanilla cupcakes. He did almost all of it under my supervision and guidance.
Yesterday it was back into the cookbook for lunch. He decided on a very healthy meal of pigs in a blanket. He made the grocery list of hot dogs and cresent rolls and we headed to the grocery store.
Then he came home and made the whole thing.
Summer library reading program. Read 30 minutes a day and get a prize each week. I want him to get into reading chapter books so I figured the best way was to read them to him. This is how it started out - him pretending to sleep and ignore me.
Tim came in and saw us so he grabbed the camera. We managed to get him over to look interested. He finally did take some interest in the story.
After that, the rest of the evening went down hill. It was NOT fun. He's in a better mood this morning and we have even done our 30 minutes of the chapter book and he was much more excited and interested in the story. Now we are headed to the library and then I'm packing a picnic to take to the park afterwards. See if I can't get him engaged in some large motor skills.
Hi Tara - thanx so much for sharing this with your CA family! As your day ticks by minute by minute, you probably think how will I ever get through this. But from a distance, I we are all holding you up in prayer & love. You are an awesome mom, wife & friend!! As I am approaching 70, I look back at my yrs as a parent & wish I had done so much more as I watch you!! You are my HERO!!! much love, your favorite pa-in-law!!
Posted by: grandpa mike | June 09, 2009 at 09:48 AM
what kind of books does he like? What level? Maybe I can send him some.
Posted by: Pam | June 09, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Hope he loves the library and devours a lot of books! The photo of him pretending to sleep is hysterical! why would he sleep through a dragon book?? Come on, Will, get reading those chapter books for yourself. It's cool! You can have many adventures in books. Tara, we pray these summer days with Will are a joy and blessing for you, "blessings beyond belief", (and for him as well) even though the challenge can bring weariness/frustration. We believe in you, and love you!! Our Jesus promised He is WITH US ALWAYS.
Posted by: Gramma jayne | June 10, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Oh boy summer.....I am scared! I am trying to think of what I can do with them especially Jaxon already...library is a good idea thanks. Good luck keeping the kids entertained I will be thinking of you and can't wait to see you guys soon!!
Posted by: jenny | June 11, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Oh and I am so glad he is enjoying his cook book!!Yay!
Posted by: jenny | June 11, 2009 at 02:30 PM