Monday 24 September 2012

Lucas got a Priviledge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Blogland!

Today is Monday and after a rollercoaster couple of weeks of stressful posts - I have some good school news to report!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Friday.....

LUCAS GOT A PRIVILEDGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He was so proud of himself.

After seeing him so upset last week, we set our own private goals with him - he was told that if he did NOT get another Consequence by Friday - he would earn a small surprise.   He came running out of the School Grounds last Friday shouting "I got a Priviledge!!!!!!!!!!!!!" he was so happy.  - That was a big surprise.

We upgraded the Reward System :-)  - Auntie Mandy took him to see Ice Age 4! - and (Lucas reported) it was Brilliant!

Marcus wanted to go to a Football Match in Kent on Saturday - and it was a beautifully sunny day! - so we all bundled into the car, and while Marcus watched his men kick a ball about - Lucas and I climbed all over the Navy Ships at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham!   -   this is an amazing place for ASD Children.   Parents and Carers go free - and one ticket lasts a whole year! - this was Lucas' 3rd trip - the last time he took his Daddy down into the Submarine.....   ON Saturday! - it was my turn...

I don't do small spaces.    Many many years ago - I  was lucky enough to have a chance to go into one of the Pyramids in Giza (YES, THOSE Pyramids) but had a panic attack on the way down - and had to clamber back through the people to get out.....   My sister still teases me about that - (she wishes she was STILL down there...)

I had visions of The Pyramids Attack Returning.   But it was ok! - literally jumping through "hoops" between sections, in the Submarine  it was a bit like how I would imagine the Tardis.   Lucas had a great time - questioning the Tour Guide...... haha......    I did slyly show the Tour Guide Lucas' "Card" - his response was adorable.   He said ... to be honest I think I guessed straight away with him, but thank you for telling me - and then he proceeded to discuss "guages and dials and pressure" all REALLY thrilling stuff... with Lucas... they both seemed to be having a great time!

So! dear Blogland - we  had a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Did You?

Love from us all xxx

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Scary Parent 1 - Teacher 0 - ;-)


First Official Meeting with PSW and Headmistress at New School - it lasted nearly 2 hours!

I said alot of things! - I even took 2 pages of typed up notes with me, I took no prisoners.   I got results!

I had a great chat with the Headmistress and our PSW and both agree that this consequence was far too rash, and that Lucas would probably get them every week at this rate.  

I have voiced my opinions STRONGLY - and am quite proud of myself - to the point that I may have to apologise to the Headmistress for being too Head Strong!   I ironed out some issues - and needed a stiff drink afterwards!

Tuesday 18 September 2012

OK Men - We're Going In....

Hello Blogland!

Last week was the week that the "New School Problems!" showed their ugly heads - Blogland, we knew they were coming, and... shock horror! - I even think I was prepared!! - and today - we are going in for attack.

Last night we had a Parents Evening.   Last night a Teacher Bombarded Us with information - and also explained this WONDERFUL new Behaviour system that the Children all Love! - its so GREAT (teacher words) - and so far only one child has had a consequence........ - its wonderful.....

Last week  Lucas got a "consequence!" - so..... Lucas is that child! - great!!! - (note to self NOT happy...)

After the meeting - I calmly (HONESTLY!!) went up to Lucas' teacher - and said.....  SO..... what did he get his consequence for?  As he cannot remember.....    I found out last night - Lucas got his consequence for laughing at another child's comment.  Apparently he had been warned before.   I want to know if Lucas' New Teacher is aware he has ASD Aspergers - I think this was not acceptable.   This is clearly down to his ASD Traits and he has been punished for it.   Action is being taken.  

Dont get me wrong, new readers - I KNOW Lucas can be naughty - but I also think this is going a bit too far, especially as the Teachers are meant to be aware of his condition - they cannot beat it out of him!!! - they have to accept it and move on!

It has backfired slightly on the Teachers by giving Lucas the first consequence, all the "good boys" (who are really lovely) have been coming up to Lucas asking "what happens?" "what did you have to do?" - and he has sweetly and honestly replied, "I can't tell you, you have to find out yourselves".  I thought this was adorable.   One of the good boys is going to try and help Lucas earn a Priveledge this week too.

On a wonderfully POSITIVE note, we heard that all the children had a spelling test - of 100 words.   We were told NOT to expect brilliant results - as they were only Year 3 children.   I came home and found Lucas' Test - 81 out of 100 - and 2 errors were witch instead of which and their instead of there - SO..... Lucas made me very proud yesterday.

Today at 2.30pm I have the first of many Meetings with my PSW - and I have been informed that the Headmistress would like to Join our Meeting.    How do I feel about this?   Perfect! - Excellent!!! - I have my notes ready!!!

Ok men.... we are ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time Check - 12.43
Meeting Time - 2.30pm


Aim?   GET LUCAS OFF THE SILLY "WONDERFUL" BEHAVIOUR SCHEME.- or at least give him a fighting chance!



Saturday 8 September 2012

When do I tell him? - WHAT do I say?

Hello Blogland

Welcome to a deep and meaningful post - please feel free to"back away from the blog" - haha.... but I have a buzzing problem - buzzing round my brain, and my brain is too tired to flick it away...

Lucas has been going through the "New School Process!" and in hindsight - he has coped with it much easier than I have.   Lucas has "grown up" a bit this week.  He is 7, will be 8 at Christmas.

Here is my dilemma - and I would be very grateful for people's comments and views here, this is a genuine request for comments and feedback - (thanks for reading).

When do I tell him about his ASD Aspergers Condition?  How do I tell him?  Does he already know?   He already knows he has a special card for Queue Jumping, he has written about this in his School work, much to my surprise.

The reason it has come to a head now, is I have noted alot of children have "grown" over the summer holidays, and Lucas came home saying "A Child" teased me about my name... (part of his surname is Price), the child asked how much could he pay for him?   Lucas did not understand the joke.


Literal Thinking Strikes and Scores! - Literally!! - I just said, if they say it again, just say - "Oh I am too expensive..." - nothing - no reaction at all - my exceptionally bright little boy did NOT understand the irony.  

SO... is this a hint?  Is now the time to have a talk?   What do I say???  I am armed with a great picture book (All Cats Have Aspergers) is now the time to read it with him?

Can someone lend me a fly swat???

Wednesday 5 September 2012

What an amazing difference!!!

New School - Day Two....

The scary pick up time arrived...

Lucas met me half-way up the path! and we walked hand in hand back to the car!   One small step for man - one MASSIVE step for Me and Lucas!!!!

Progress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - he is currently devouring 3 scoops of icecream as a reward!

Tennis lesson in 10 minutes...............

Bye for now!

Tuesday 4 September 2012

New School Day

Hi Everyone

Thank you to my friends for the good luck for his first day wishes - he really liked these :)

Ok... so! - how did the day go?  I hear you ask... It was not the perfect day - but I really did NOT expect it!

The Morning was lovely, everything went smoothly we had a nice breakfast with omelettes and yohurt drinks, Lucas looked really smart in his new uniform, we even took lots of photos, and had time to spare to chat about the day.

We have strict instructions that School starts at 8.55 - but no children must arrive before 8.45 - so - we parked the car at 8.40! - please note - we were EARLY on the first day! - brownie points please!!!

Lots of people were crowding around the gates and a stream of people were also walking towards Lucas' classroom - through the playground, so we joined the stream.

Lucas' Headmistress was individually welcoming everyone into their classroom - which I thought was lovely - and then Lucas dissappeared! - Bye Then!!!

I was assured he would be fine - and was sent on my way....

I found Nicky outside the gates with Louise (another Louise) so we had a really long catch up chat -  note comparing chat - it was about 1 hour and a half long - but it was lovely to catch up - Louise said she went to the Olympics Athletics so we all spoke about the Olympics - they both asked if I managed to get to the Tennis and meet my friend? - I said Yes :-)  - so I was able to share my Tennis Day with them - and show them pictures too - I calmly said - oh, and this is my friend, - this is what he looks like.... (showed them the pic below) - their reactions??

Priceless!!! - "Oh Wow!!!!" etc and lots of various other "female comments :-)"

It was nice to catch up - Louise nearly saw Usain Bolt but she had to leave early, but she said her day was magnificent too.

We also discussed the Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon too - Nicky's Oldest Son is in the Navy and he was stationed at Greenwich Park working the Equestian and MP events - she said he had the best time ever! - of course we did not see him when we went - but that was a great venue.

The Olympics were our "Planned Family Holiday" - Louise went to Corfu - Nicky went to South of France.

So that was the morning - which was stressful - but ended lovely - chatting with my Coffee buddies.

I got home and fell asleep! - 3 hours later woke up and went to pick up Lucas.

I had major problems picking up Lucas at his previous school - these were finally sorted out with the help of his old teachers - I had sub-consciously forgotten about them...

They returned with vengence tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - (great!) - ok in hindsight - it was nice seeing him play with friends, but it was not nice to see Lucas turn into a monster as soon as I approached him or asked him to leave with me - these are all standard ASD traits, and I know this now (as I have been on lots of courses) - but Dear Blogland - it does really hurt when all the other children go up to their parents like little angelic lambs, and I get the Tasmanian Devil coming towards me at full power.

BUT I have been on the courses!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - I have the power to fight the ASD Trait (allegedly!) - I tried the 123 Magic! - of course it failed on me!

I tried yelling at him - in front of all the other new mums and dads - yep - they now have me labelled as a yeller (that failed too)

When we finally got out of the school grounds - he was still in Dr Jekyll Mode - so, I calmly said - I was going to take you to McDonalds as a treat after school for your first day - but you have been horrid - so we are not going now.  and I kept my word! - yes I felt mean, but I also felt hurt!

It worked!!! - shock horror surprise - 1 hour after getting home - Lucas came and apologised to me! - I am going to write it down.... oh I just have!

We then had a lovely evening - I have set some ground rules - Hopefully Lucas will take notice and realise I mean business - and maybe he will get a McDonalds Treat tomorrow!!!!

We shall see

Good Night Blogland!

Monday 3 September 2012

New School Eve!

Hello Blogland

How are you?

Tonight - 3 September - is New School Eve.

Tomorrow is New School Day

Tomorrow is the day Lucas starts his new School.

I have major pre new school jitters.   Why?

This is a new page, a new start, a new adventure - new people for Lucas to get to know - new beginnings.... new problems....   new meeting schedules...

Lucas knew everyone at the old school - and everyone knew Lucas :-)
....

New school uniform - check
New school uniform returned due to being wrong size? - check!
(note to Lucas - PLEASE STOP GROWING!!!)  
New school uniform - named - check
New school uniform trousers altered and hemmed up?  gotta love sewing.... - check

New school haircut?  - check
New bags, New PE Kit, New Water Bottle, New Stuff - check check check check!

New School Child bathed and in bed fast asleep?  - check

Check list complete??? - yep - I think so - all set and ready to go.....

Survival Coffee Morning with Nicky booked? - CHECK!!!
.....

So.... its a New School!!  Tomorrow Morning.....

Wish us luck!!!

There will be photos....

Junior School here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bye for now!