This evening, as I walked back into the house after talking to my neighbor across the street, I saw Aditya munching on a foot-long cucumber. I had served him an evening snack and gone out the door for a few minutes. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Until now, he would wait for me to return and ask for permission to eat something more. When I cheered him for taking care of himself, he blushed and told me that he was too hungry to wait for me. There was no anxiety, no doubting his own decision .. only confidence oozing out of this young fellow!
As I have been training new volunteers over the last couple weeks, Aditya has been in and out of the room in between feedback sessions. I used to have his snack ready on the table most of the time. Once last week, I forgot to put it out. After the volunteer left, I apologized to him. "Well, that's ok. I just picked a plum and had it for snack!" That was the last day I ever decided what his snack would be. He has not asked me for one, waited for my approval or even told me once he was done.
I have now seen it consistently enough that I really feel elated! He is no longer anxious or looking for our approval before taking care of his basic needs. In fact, he is assertive and defends his choices :)
Today, sister was upset about a cancelled playdate. As Aditya came out of the playroom after two back to back sessions, she was whining, "Mom, I am too bored! I wish I had a friend to play with."
"Hey Aditya, Your sister wants to play with somebody. Do you think you can be that friend she can play with? "
"Sure, Shreya .. Let's play something of your choice. "
"How about doggie?", she asked.
Aditya : "Ruff Ruf ... Ruff .. "
And off they went into the playroom .....
I think that he was able to connect more strongly to her because he had his fix ... four hours of solid playroom time. I am feeling good about our growing team and the increased playroom hours he will be getting .. more loving, joining, challenging and growth for Aditya! Woohoooo!
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