Thursday, October 31, 2013

Halloween Ups and Downs

My board looked like this today:




I also took my kids into the computer lab and felt like I really used my master's degree (instructional technology) because of the assignment I wrote for them. They worked at their own pace, used technology as a tool for learning instead of just a word processor and most of them really liked it. They were engaged and when I helped students I was able to zero in on exactly what each kid needed. Exhausting work letting the computer be the teacher.

I got my annual big hair on (it was bigger 12 hours ago). It is hard to tell from my picture, but it is purple too. I wore my zombie shirt. I'll confess--Plantboy loves the big hair.

On the downside, I have one that refused to trick or treat once he saw his brother looking like this:


He then started thinking about all the scary things and people and costumes and started weeping into his ravioli. Then, very quietly, "I don't think I'm going to go."

And it wasn't my youngest. 

Dear Middle Child. How can I love thee better? Rather than outgrowing fears he seems to be adopting them tenfold. It is keeping him from embracing so much that is sweet about life. It is keeping him from unlocking his potential. And I'm not talking about trick or treating.

2 comments:

Karin said...

I am so sorry about the "downs" of Halloween.

When my boy started exhibiting some of an GAD symptoms, I was terrified I had caused by my own actions. He is now very confident and sure of his world and himself.

My older girl, however, has needed some extra tools. She has been in therapy twice and both times, things improved huge amounts in a short period of time. I'm not saying that is best for everyone...just that we felt it was right for her at that time. I think she holds onto things and doesn't remember the tools at her disposal to help...and sometimes the reminder of her tools comes best from another trusted adult.

Good Luck!

Kimberly Bluestocking said...

I'm not sure how old Padawan is, but my almost-seven-year-old seems to be going through something similar. Things that appealed last year - sleepovers with Grandmas, dancing to loud music at a school party - are just too intimidating to her now for one reason or another.

I'm not sure whether it's just a phase or if there's something I could/should do to help her through it. Hopefully it's the former. Time will tell.

I love your big, purple hair, and your "Halloween is Awesome" smile. :)