As most of you know, Meelie No is going through some extensive testing at school. And by all that is holy, it's totally cool because they give you snacks while you work, or so I am reliably informed.
She's already been recommended for after school tutoring, which does not lack snacks either. According to my 7 year old connoisseur of snacks, this ROCKS.
She is an extremely bright child, and has made the honor roll each time this year, and the years proceeding. The problem lies within processing directions. She needs too much clarification. She aces tests, but has problems with in class work and has to be constantly helped when doing homework. I'm told it's like a short in her wiring.
She bounces off of walls, is fidgety, and you are sure she is not paying attention. This is according to her teacher, who I have the utmost of respect for. The only thing is, when the teacher asks questions of the class, my daughter is the first to raise her hand and answer them. Go figure.
The teacher's main worry is that as the year goes on, and as she goes on to the next grade and the work gets harder and she is expected to work more independently, she will flounder, considerably. I'm all for catching it early.
If I would have had this child first, I would most likely not have had another one. She is stubborn, strong willed, prone to tantrums and will surely win the academy award for "Most Emotional Person You Ever Saw."
On the flip side she is gentle, caring and very affectionate. She loves to cuddle. She's been sucking her thumb since she was 2 days old and hasn't stopped since in the seven years of her life. Picture this peeps. She's asleep, and the thumb is firmly entrenched in her mouth. I cover her up and give her a kiss on the cheek, and reach down to pull the thumb out of her mouth and the body comes up with it.
We have now entered in to Hell. We are working on behavior modification and consequences.
Last week, I got so frustrated with her, I was sure I was going to beat her senseless. This being unacceptable I turned to her and said "Take your 'ugly face' and march it right into your room. Don't come out until you have your 'pretty face' on and can treat and talk to me with respect." Dead silence.
And then I went deaf. She screamed "I HATE YOU!", and while my heart splintered into a gazillion pieces I said "that's ok, I love you enough for the both of us." She didn't like that. At all.
March to her room she did, and after much door slamming, sobbing, and stomping around (I felt sorry for Sugar Plum, the Guinea Pig residing in her room), she came out of her room, perfectly calm and walked up to me in the kitchen.
She then proceeded to wrap her arms around my leg and say, "Mom, what's for dinner?"
Gack. She's just like her father.
Comments
Omigosh, she sounds like my ex-wife. LOL
She could pitch the biggest temper tantrum, calling me all kinds of names and bringing up my ancestry. Five minutes later she'd be trying to sit in my lap.
Women. :p
Posted by: FTS at January 19, 2006 06:45 PM
You handled that situation well, Moogie.
Posted by: Heather at January 19, 2006 07:42 PM
Lurking...
Posted by: Dax Montana at January 19, 2006 11:26 PM
You just described my daughter to a T ... unbelievable. She was exactly the same way. And it sounds like you're handling it wonderfully (unfortunately, I didn't have a clue about some of these techniques when she was growing up; fortunately, she turned out okay and we now have a mother-daughter relationship that I wouldn't trade for the world!).
Keep up the good work, Moogie!
Posted by: Penny at January 20, 2006 08:49 AM
Dr. Phil had a show recently on children acting out just like your Meelie No. It was heartbreaking to watch how these kids behaved and you could see the anguish on the parents' faces (especially the guilt on the mothers' faces). You are doing the right things and eventually she will get the message and stop acting like she is. Above all, continue to show her that you love her but that her behavior is unacceptable.
But, it's so difficult, isn't it? I think all mothers go through this "stage" as their children are growing up.
It will get better. Just keep telling her how proud you are of her and how much you love her!
Posted by: motherkitty at January 20, 2006 09:08 AM
Lissenup, peeps!
I do NOT: Slam doors, cry, suck my thumb, or behave in any way other than calm, rational, sweet, and in all ways perfect.
Annnnd...if I grump a bit, SO FLAMING WHAT?!!
(sound of slamming door, imprecations, and muttering about the unfairness of the world)
Posted by: Meelie's Dad at January 20, 2006 07:10 PM
Now honey. You know I love you but it's time the truth came out. She obviously takes after you, becaue my personality is purely sweetness and light. Doesn't it feel good to admit it. :D
Posted by: Moogie at January 20, 2006 07:18 PM
I think she may be my child. Have I ever told you about Grace? It is tough being a mom, Moogs, but you are great at it.
I have heard that most dreaded sentence, "I hate you." and have come up with a mature response. It is a song that goes like this:
I love you, I love you, nah nah, I love you, I love you!
I can't help it you are so sweet I love you I love you.
Then I allow a little cooling down time and proceed to discern and solve the problem.
Posted by: Melonie at January 20, 2006 08:18 PM
Sounds like me as a kid. LOL...watch out!! *wink*
Posted by: Dana at January 20, 2006 11:35 PM
Ooof. Sounds like you handled it well though. I tell you what, I'm not looking forward to hearing that for the first time......
Posted by: Kel at January 21, 2006 09:08 AM
Wow Moogie sounds like you handled that amicably, and admit it Mr Moogie you all that as a kid too.. Hmm bouncing off the walls eh, hmm too much sugar - why did I suddenly get reminded of the Film "Daddy Day Care", then again what do I know Im only an Uncle, a Monkey's Uncle to a cheeky Monkey of a Nephew.
Posted by: Gopher at January 22, 2006 08:38 AM