Today we got a new friend in our little family Caleb named him Peanut. We found a dog on our porch this morning and Caleb has been so happy already claiming him as "his dog". Most of my day was spent trying to figure out the what to do with the dog and what kind of temperament he has.
So today when I went to the park I had to do my walking at the dog park with my normal running partner (Brody) and our new addition. My walk was not its usual challenge.
The first challenge of the day.. getting out of bed 2 days of running on top of being sick (which I believe is over for the most part) has really taken a toll on my body. I am sore from head to toe!.
So today since I didn't feel like my challenge was challenging enough I wanted to share a story.... On February 10th 2011, I slipped and fell and shattered my radius and my ulna. It took a plate and 7 screws to put it back together. Being that I am right handed, and it was my right wrist, I got 2 months where I could only use my uncoordinated left hand. Everything was a struggle. to go to the bathroom and be able to button my pants, well for 2 months it was sweats. I remember feeling sorry for myself, I was trying to accomplish something ( I cannot for the life of me remember the mundane little task, as now the lesson outweighs the task) and Caleb comes up to me and asks what was wrong. I told him honestly I was frustrated that I couldn't do something, and he said "but Mommy I can't use my left that well and I can do it". He was right. Here i am the parent the one with all the lessons, and he is teaching me.... Caleb has been the king of "I can't" since he could speak the words, and in the past year he has really taken off confidence wise.
A few weeks ago we had an IEP meeting. His Early Intervention Specialist had said it bothers her that Caleb doesn't work independently he is always asking for her help. I had to take a stand. She was not his EI Specialist any prior year, and I told her that a year ago if he reached a task that he didn't come easily he would refuse to even try just saying "I can't". I asked that they not discourage him for asking for help, the fact that he is even willing to try is a blessing to me.
Point being? Stand up for your kids. You are the only one who knows your child. No one not any "expert" has more knowledge about what your child needs. It is music to my ears to hear "will you help me" as long as it keeps the "i can'ts" away