We had a few ups and downs this week, with some really great days, and a couple of really tough ones. On Friday we invited the kids' friend Aska over for a play. I was worried that Arley would be a little left out, because Aska is 8, but the three of them played together brilliantly. They got along so well that none of them wanted to break up the party, so Aska stayed for about six hours. This is very heartening, because we are working on Arley's play skills in therapy, and it is nice to know he can play nicely. The kids did a science experiment, played outside a ton, played video games, and just had a really good time.
On Saturday we took the kids up to Sussex Inlet for a little adventure, as we had never taken them up there before. We walked along the inlet, played at the park, and then walked up through town to eat an early dinner at the pizza place. It was a really lovely afternoon, with no dramas and smiles all around. It is always surprising when things go smoothy like that, and I never take it for granted.
The kids were back at horse riding on Monday. It is by far their favourite activity, and mine. Carmie is so proud of herself, she cantered for the first time. She did a great job, and I actually got overwhelmed and all teary! Ha ha, I'm such a dork. Arley is coming along so well with his trotting - he finally trotted by himself down the length of the arena. He isn't as confident controlling Rocky as he could be, so he still has to master the horse, but his up and down trotting has really improved. Either way, he loves it too, and both kids are so happy after their lesson.
However, they did plenty of fighting for the rest of the day, so much so that on Tuesday I made a rule that they are not allowed to play together without me present until we have more play therapy, as the bickering just causes so much stress. Tuesday was nice and calm, until we decided to take the kids to Collers beach for dinner. After we ate, we went exploring on the rocks as we always do, and Arley just lost the plot. Full blown auty meltdown. It was awful.
On Wednesday we met Aska and his Mum Virginia for a swim at the sea pool, and once again Arley lost the plot. He didn't go full blown meltdown this time, but for a good half hour he was obstinate, stomping his feet and shouting at me. In therapy today we went over the incidents from this week, and our OT's observations over the last few sessions, and she has determined that the majority of our problems with Arley happen when things don't go his way. She said it's not that he is just being nasty and demanding his way or the highway, it's that he doesn't feel safe unless he is in control. If things go his way, the way he pictures it, there are no surprises for him. If someone doesn't play the way he wants them to, he doesn't know what to do. So, that's what we will be working on.
We have made the decision to have the kids quit scouts. We are overloaded by activities, and that one winds the kids up at night time, as it is held in the evening. There are some kids there who are quite naughty too, and those are the kids Carmie and Arley think are cool and emulate. Carmie is surprisingly OK to quit, but Arley really wanted to be a scout (I think he wanted the uniform!). We also are trying to find a new day for Arley's drama class, because our therapist thinks that it is more important for Arley to join in the free play with their friends, which happens after Japanese class every Thursday, and clashes with his drama class. So, changes are happening, but they are all for the better.
Tomorrow Jeffrey and I are leaving first thing in the morning to head up to Murrurundi for the reception of my exhibition. Murrurundi is six hours away, so it is quite a long haul, but we are staying until Sunday, so we will get a bit of a break. Mum and Geoff are staying here at our house to look after the kids, which is much better than dragging all of the kids' stuff over to their place. I am looking forward to the trip. :)
Here are some videos from this week.
Science experiment with Aska:
Carmie canters:
Arley trots:
Play date with Aska
