Monday, January 31, 2011

A new year!

So Toby went to school without any pants.

And I didn't say a word.

Okay, he was wearing longjohns, so it wasn't like his white chicken legs were poking out of his snowboots - but it was definitely something I would never have even considered keeping quiet about in years past. Apparently, no harm came to him, no teasing, no calls to me from Children's Services, all was well, and I was able to let him live his own life. While sometimes it drives me crazy, there is a certain charm to his utter lack of concern about his appearance. Much like his dad.

I am finally getting my butt in gear with a reboot of PonT for the new year. Made a new and improved list of most prominent Useless Behaviors for each child, and my most glaring Interfering Strategies. Unfortunately the lists displayed some regression from past progress, I suppose that ebbs and flows. My new list of Enhancing Strategies was very satisfying, though. A lot of PonT stuff has become second nature, or I have found my own interpretation that unfolds naturally.

Do you think I could get away with stopping the Interfering Strategies without having to do a Do Nothing, Say Nothing week?

Then I made some headway with my lists of the skills the kids have and do spontaneously, have but don't do spontaneously, and skills they need to learn. Awesome progress on those since last year! Then I ran out of energy. Timeline for Training is on hold. My goal for this week is to make note of when I am upset with the children, notice what they are doing, how I feel, and what strategy I would normally use first. And try something different. Then look at my list and see who's after which Mistaken Goals of Behavior. Which leads me to the Four Cs and where to put my focus in nourishing the true displayed need.

So much to remind myself of. Good stuff. I can see and feel the lapses, I have lost some focus and the kids' behavior reflects that. Back on Track!

P.S. Hazel's outfit of choice these days is her kelly green Buzz Lightyear pajamas. She wears them at least 3 days a week, sometimes consecutively.