I have a post that I created that talked about the last month of Summer. Can't seem to get it to post. I thought I had, and realized now it never went through and no matter what I've tried, it won't post. So, I'm sorry. A very summarized explanation of the post is that it's about positives and challenges - as normal. Mostly around emails between myself and Penelope's parents, and Penelope and her Dad.
Right now the focus is on school starting in two days. Penelope talks about all that she wants to accomplish this school year but she didn't accomplish a lot this summer. And she is as close to sloth as possible. Especially as school gets closer. It's a control tactic. She is feeling the stress of her expectations and wants to slow things down. I'm trying not to push but allow her to make her decisions and help ensure she gets a positive or negative consequence of her actions - being her coach not her disciplinarian. Ugh, so hard for me. But she has all the tools to be successful, except coping mechanisms. So hard for her. She talks a big talk. Not afraid of anything, doesn't care what people thing.... when her fear is crippling.
School is hard enough but for our kids with reactive attachment disorder it is that exceedingly difficult. I want to give her a less triggering environment, one where she can have more successes. But then I know that in order for her to navigate the real world, she needs to learn from the challenges she will face in this reality. I can be there to help her through this, the best I can and the best she can. She wants it, and I want it for her.
