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N.B. Supper and or food are not a strong group motivator. N.B.B. ‘Electronics Time’ = 30 minutes play on the Gameboy/Ninendo DS/telly, are currently the only group motivators.  This shall be a scientifically controlled experiment, a longitudinal study. We are currently experimenting:- 1. Ensure that all supplies are within easy reach together with duplicates. Add calming music, visual timers, fidgets, kooshes, ‘Take a Break’ PECs[*] to pre-empt meltdowns, four kinds of pencil grips, spill proof snacks for motivation, additional oral stimulants, tether bands for restless agitated legs, sequencing and tick down charts to aid task completion and reduce overwhelmedness. Restock Duct Tape Rolls to secure each child to carver chair.  2. Introduce LOST [*] = ‘Let Off Steam Time’ upon returning home. Now that they can play and also spend periods of time outside, this seems a therapeutic and fun option. Between play time and ‘electronics’ time at 5:30, they must complete their homework[1] and make their packed lunches[2].  3. As above except electronics time is moved to any time after [1] and [2] are completed, ideally before supper at 7:00 p.m.  4. As above except electronics time is either moved to just before bedtime or eliminated completely as [1] and [2] are not completed and everyone is asleep. Note to self = no electronics time means no time to cook. Children go to bed on the edge of starvation. Balance risk of starvation against time and money saving benefits of a food free existence.  5. Move homework time to after supper . As they are so desperate to avoid bed, they may just be more willing to do homework instead. Note to self – stock up on midnight oil.  6. Seek an alternative to ‘everyone sitting around the same table.’ E.g. each child in different location to be simultaneously assisted and guided by the homework monitor, me.  Consider purchasing roller skates for more efficient movement inter alia, and sum.  7. Seek an alternative alternative to ‘everyone sitting around the same table.’ E.g. Homework monitor with child A, one on one, whilst B and C spin their wheels or create mayhem.  8. Instigate positive reward system. One completed worksheet equates to one Goldfish Cracker. Take care not to disintegrate into ‘one word per cracker.’ If we descend to ‘one letter per Cracker,’ I shall snap, crackle and pop. Should the ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ clause be amended?  9. Consider converting the attic into a dedicated homework station, or in the alternative, a very good place to hide, for me.  10. Re-introduce "Kinesthetic" learning programmes and expand.  11. Petition Board of Governors to permit children to attend after school homework club. Send gift to each Governor prior to petition. Hire baby sitter and visit after school homework club to see how the professionals do it. Send gift to professionals prior to subtle infiltration of club.  12. Move homework time to first thing in the morning as they wake between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. and this is their most alert time of the day. They are also extremely hungry and willing to consume half a 12ounce box of cereal.  Note to self:- quaff additional vat of coffee prior to 5 a.m. 13. Ask the teacher for a special dispensation, a permanent free pass to excuse us from homework otherwise, I shall be steamed rather than LOST[*]?  This is where I am currently hiding, if you want me for anything that is to say.  |
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR RUBY TUESDAY / CATS ON TUESDAY
One of the chores that I hate most in the world, is one that I have been doing for approximately 20 years. It's making packed lunches for the children. There is such an air of hopelessness associated with the whole exercise. Nutritious, home-made organic food is either thrown in the bin at school or returned back home untouched and inedible after a day in the heat. Not eating between 7:30 in the morning and 3:00 in the afternoon, is not considered a hardship. Eating what I had provided, fell into the category of torture. Better and easier to starve.
I often thought it would be simpler to admit defeat and allow them to indulge in whatever the school provided. However the cost for three children as well as the choices available, have prevented me from taking this tempting step.
Instead I decided to alter my expectations.
I decided to compromise.
The first step was to come to terms with my children's limitations. At the current state of play I could pour chocolate sauce on everything and they still would refuse to eat. Better to choose food where there is at least the possibility of consumption.
Since we are also trying to teach independence and kick start their executive function, a PEC board of choices provided the visual stimulation to enable choice. The PECs corresponded to the three baskets of foodstuffs at their eye sight level.
The long term goal is to reduce stress, smooth over the bumpy bits and achieve task completion. Since it is only the beginning of the year, we have quite a bit of practicing to do. Every time they complete the exercise, it becomes easier. I fully anticipate that by the end of this school year, this is one less chore than I will have successfully delegated to my offspring, if not sooner.
If we continue to follow our current trajectory, I expect that I shall be choreless before I am very much older.
Then I shall spend my time in the 'help wanted' classified ads looking for gainful employment.
Cheers dears
Please scroll down for Magic Marker Monday
We move relentlessly forward with the food campaign for the neophobic, the eater of 15 foods.
Currently my son enjoys a slime free diet, where slime equates to anything that could remotely be described as 'semi liquid.' In an attempt to push out the boundaries we offer ketchup, Thousand Island dressing and any other number of condiments for him to dip his Goldfish Crackers. We, on the other hand, truly enjoy guacamole, hummus and Salsa with warm pitta pocket strips.
The groans of agony from the end of the table increase in volume. I make direct inquiries:
“Is it the stink of your dips or the stink of our dips that’s upsetting you dear?”
“Evey fing is stink!”
Fair enough, I just needed a little clarification.
The family offer helpful suggestions;
“Why dontcha make em swim in dah blood one!”
“Howabout you try the mayonnaise, that doesn’t taste of anything anyways.”
“You know dey will slip down much more easily with a little grease. Look at your ribs! You need a little grease.”
“Here try a pretzel stick instead, then you won’t have to worry about your finger tips getting mucky.” He takes the proffered stick gingerly, a bit like a magic wand. He looks from stick to dip, from dip to stick and then back to us, a collective group of torturers.
“Wot I am doing wiv dis stick?”
“Stick it in the dip. Poke it. Put one end in the…..little bowl.”
“Stick is being too dangerous for me,” he wheedles, following a well furrowed path. I turn to his dad, “do you know, maybe we’re going about this the wrong way?”
“Tell me something we don’t already know.” I nip back into the house to snatch some tired old forgotten Brandy Snaps and some Maple syrup. “Here you go. How about we try something sweet instead?”
“Wot! Wot are doz fings? I am not be eating dah food wiv dah holes!” His outrage seems genuine enough.
“Curly pretzels have holes. You’ve eaten holes before!” I plead. My husband looks at me and blinks, but remains silent.
I sit back down. We don’t ignore him as such but we do not perseverate upon him. Well done us! Fortunately, like most parents, I am able to see without actually looking, through half shut lids and lashes. He dances a tentative waltz, a sniff, a poke, a little bat just to check that it’s not going to fight back, a tongue tickle, a shudder, another attempt, more of a lick, a wince and a shudder, and then finally a bite. The bite is followed by gagging and neck clutching, then mastication, a few escaped crumbs but approximately 55% of the mouthful is swallowed.
Yeah!
I say nothing with a face of stone. My face of stone turns to a Medusa head to warn his father to remain oblivious.
I wait for him because I want him to own it.
I wait until the third mouthful.
“Hey Mom!”
“Yes dear.”
“I am be….eated it.”
“Yeah for you! What a brave mouth. See you can eat sticks after all!”
“Er…..no…….I am not be eat sticks……..I am be eat holey snaps.”
[*] dipstick = foolish person, “slang” from "Only Fools and Horses."
Remember at this time of year Californians, that paper "STAR"s are not a true reflection of our little twinklers.
Apologies for the blurry picture, the camera was on the wrong setting. [I wonder who fiddled with that?]
Anyway, I just wanted to mention that both my sons are logical thinkers. Numbers and sequences of numbers help in just about every situation:- first we do this and then we do that. It is by no means fool proof but a concrete message is far more effective than a lot of surplus words. There is something about expectations in black and white, or rather blue and white in this case, that helps smooth over many of their worries and concerns.
Of course a visual timer as an accompaniment also helps them understand that the end is near in sight, which in turn reduces their anxiety, which in turn makes them more capable of concentrating on the task at hand.
Please scroll down for photohunters and SOOC
I meant to post this last week, but time ran away with me.
I still struggle to juggle, hence 'comment of the week award.'
Sad to say that Ricky has had to go as he was crashing everyone's computer. [some kind of bug] Hence this rather dull replacement. I shall try and spend some time removing Ricky's bugs from all my sites. Humble Apologies
This is from "Melody" at "Slurping Life" and refers to 'Straight out of the Camera'
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If swimming is really that tough!
Maybe you need some protection?
$1.99 end of season at Target!
Cheers dears
PhotoHunt
Brought to you via "TNChick."
Red Cardinal Climber on candle holder.
Too much Miracle Grow I suspect!
