Sorry for not updating the blog in a while, I haven't really been all that inspired to say the least...or should I rephrase and say I haven't had much good to say...but really when has that stopped me? Besides I guess that was the whole reason I started the blog was to diary my feelings, hoping to find this an outlet to ease my anxiety and stress of day to day trials and tribulations we have come to know as Life in these "Times of the End".
I can give a positive update on our dealing with Benjamin and his behavioral issues! We have taken some preliminary steps that have really made a difference with him....although in past observances he does have a couple good months and then a really bad month, he has seemed to have had a good few consecutive months with a marked improvement that has been noticeable. His anger although still expressed sharply and at times very emotionally charged, is not elevating to out of control rage. These "episodes" generally only last a few minutes now rather then 10 minutes or more.
He is also is learning to respect the boundaries of the "hands off" rule. His first reaction used to be to immediately strike out at his sister relentlessly with physical confrontation and would not let up, however now although at times he will still hit her, it is usually not with as much force and not out of control. He also is more likely to share his feelings with us, where before he would just bottle up what he was feeling and would just get mad.
What has made the difference in him? I am not sure what one thing has helped, but overall we have changed a few things.
First we have been working with his school and have enrolled him in a program called "Steps" it runs once a week for 8 weeks during school hours. He is taught during this class techniques in handling his anger and respecting the personal space of others.
We also have changed the way we deal with Benjamin's behavior, understanding that he may have a behavioral disorder helps us understand him better. We find that the angrier we get the more we feed into it, and we make it worse. He irritates on purpose because he feeds on this attention and friction.
Also by suggestion of our pediatrician we have also started giving him a medication that initially was given to assist him with another issue (peeing at night, which we saw was causing a lack of confidence in him) but has also assists children that have ADD. Although it is not thought that Benjamin has ADD, his behavior has improved since he began treatment with this drug.
With all this, we have just received a great report card for Ben, A's in English Spelling and Reading Skills, and Math. He also received a B+ in Math and a B in French Spelling and Reading comprehension.
I also have had a chance to speak personally with his teacher and she can't say enough about how much progress Ben has made since school began. She said it's amazing to see how intelligent he is, once you get the behavior issues out of the way.
I am very proud of him, and all that he has achieved this year.
I do fear that he still struggles though I see it in his eyes. You can always tell when Ben is having a bad day. He struggles greatly with change and right now school has presented yet another change to his routine. His amazing teacher had to go on an emergency leave due to her pregnancy, an so he has had temporary teachers. That along with the holidays, he has had some very emotionally charges days lately.
We shall see what tomorrow will bring!
