I'm feeling like my prayers were answered today. Ethan finally opened up and talked. I feel like we were able to identify and discuss some of the things that are causing his anxiety at school. I feel like we have a plan that will hopefully make a difference. I'm going to figure out something for him to keep in his pocket and squeeze or fiddle with when he's worried or feeling anxious. I'm going to talk to his teacher tomorrow and probably the principal, too. (The problems are not related to his teacher - but with a boy in his class and two other adults he has regular interaction with. Basically it comes down to the fact that he does not handle harsh, yelling adults well. It terrifies him and stresses him.)
[I would still love to hear any ideas, experiences or suggestions any of you have.]
Sunday, October 25, 2009
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I'm so sorry to hear about Ethan. I hope it gets better. If he is really upset, you may see if he can talk to the counselor at school. Sometimes it helps to have someone besides a parent talk with them.
I'm so glad he talked to you about this. As I read your last two posts I thought about how hard that must be as a mom, to worry about your child and want them to be happy and comfortable, but to not know what to do for them. I'm sorry. Definitely talk to the teacher and principal.. if this is affecting him in this way, they should be made aware. I'm sorry he's having to deal with "yellers". I wish they didn't exist in the schools, but they do, and they don't tend to change. Good luck with everything.
Ethan's such a sweet boy. That's too bad that he's so negatively affected by other people, but I'm glad he opened up and told you what is wrong.
Caleb suffers with anxiety, and exhibited quite a bit in 3rd grade. We took him to see a psychologist for testing (about a learning issue we felt might be associated with the anxiety) and he got some counseling on ways to handle the anxiety. Counselor suggested a rubber band around his wrist that he could fiddle with or even to remind him of something... or an eraser that could be rubbed while he is sitting at his desk. These are things that would not draw attention to him because they are normal things you might have at school. I also had discussions with our school counselor, and all of his teachers since then. I tell them I'm not asking for special treatment but just help in acknowledging that he has some anxiety issues and to work with me in helping him succeed at school. All of his teachers have been super helpful with this once I talked to them.
Another thing that helped is we worked on memorizing Bible verses having to do with fear and worry and I would put one of those on an index card on his bathroom mirror so that he could see them every morning. You might even slip one in his binder or something he sees regularly at school.
Hope he can get some relief. I know it's no fun when you see your kid like that...and it seems like there's no way to help sometimes.
Poor little guy. He has never liked loud or harsh noises. I hope it will resolve in a short time. I am so glad he finally opened up.
I feel so bad for him. I don't have a lot of great advice. I think the best gift that you have is the right to the guidance of the Spirit.
Thanks for your thoughts on my blog! I needed that and it really did bring reassurance that I needed. You're too sweet!
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