We've had some behavioral issues with "B"ella post adoption and my anxiety has shot through the roof! But we are working through things, her therapy sessions have increased and so has my listening to Love & Logic CD's during my commute. We have discussed medication, but really feel that isn't a great choice, given her past and possible predisposition to addiction. We'd like to utilize Occupational/Behavioral Therapy instead of medication... she is only 5 years old and with her trauma history is emotionally a 3 year old (maybe 4 year old).. so her behaviors are on target for her emotional age. Sometimes meeting her where she is emotionally is easier said then done... again that is where L&L is my saving grace... along with giving myself a time-out.
Right now she said she enjoys writing sentences as a consequence.. I believe it gives her time to process right from wrong. She writes 5 sentences.. usually it is "I will sit on the carpet at circle time." and she says the sentence as she writes. The next day she has a great day at school.. there are some mornings that she just wakes up on the wrong side of the bed. And its like dealing with Oscar the Grouch. She'll do everything in her power to annoy every person in our home.. typically the other children. And once she is put in a time out for that... she is on the wrong foot for the rest of the day. Tuesday it was turning off and on the kitchen lights while I was getting ready.. I hear "A"arron screaming at her "DOP IT!! I TANT SEE!! DOP ITT!!!!" and "E"mma "Peas Stop!!" and even "C"indy "They are asking you nicely!" Finally, I call down.. "That's it, turn the lights back on and sit on the step until we are ready to leave!" Yah not very L&L of me... its not always easy to be a consultant parent.. the drill sargent comes much more naturally for me. HOOORAHH!!
