Hunter has been loving every minute of Kindergarten. He goes to school happily every day and when I suggested home schooling him instead, he responded with, "Too late! You already sent me to school." I guess that means he likes it. It's a little hard not having daily reports on how and what he's doing (like I got from Miss Melody) but he's getting better at sharing and I'm getting better at prying. Every once in awhile he'll surprise me by singing a new song or saying a new little rhyme he's learned and it's fun to see him grow. His two favorite rhymes from school--"Zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket." And, "You get what you get and you don't get upset!" Two great quotes to remember the next time Hunter's getting upset over something "unfair!"

The only negative comment I've gotten from Mrs. Bunkoci was about his "focus," that he won't make eye contact with her. Apparently he did everything he was supposed to to get ready for circle time but then, when it was time to sit down in the circle, he didn't want to. And I guess, when Mrs. Bunkoci said, "Look at me" he wouldn't make eye contact with her. Hunter says, "I was too tired! I had to color a picture and had two recesses and I was too tired [to sit down]." Whatever! I asked Mrs. Bunkoci for suggestions, since we have the same problem at home (a sort of "no fear" problem) and all she said was, "We'll work on it!" Whatever that means. She'll work on it or she and I will work on it or what?

Anyway, when I got home I tried to find some info on the internet about helping children "focus" and I didn't have a whole lot of luck. I looked up the symptoms of ADD (as much as I doubt he has it) and found a really great article. http://www.lessontutor.com/jz1.html

It gave me a different perspective on ADD and helped me feel a little more patient towards Hunter and his challenging disposition. The following little snippet is from the above article and is called "The Bill of Rights for Children with ADD." But, I think it applies to any child and offers some great advice for parents who need a little help--like me! Enjoy!

HELP ME TO FOCUS ...

Please teach me through my sense of touch. I need "hands-on" and body movement.

I NEED TO KNOW WHAT COMES NEXT ...

Please give me a structured environment where there is a dependable routine. Give me an advance warning if there will be changes.

WAIT FOR ME, I'M STILL THINKING ...

Please allow me to go at my own pace. If I'm rushed, I get confused and upset.

I'M STUCK, I CAN'T DO IT! ...

Please offer me options for problem solving. If the road is blocked, I need to know the detours.

IS IT RIGHT? I NEED TO KNOW NOW ...

Please give me rich and immediate feedback on how I'm doing.

I DIDN'T KNOW I WASN'T IN MY SEAT! ...

Please remind me to stop, think, and act.

AM I ALMOST DONE? ...

Please give me short work periods with short-term goals.

WHAT? ...

Please don't say "I already told you that." Tell me again, in different words. Give me a signal. Draw me a symbol.

I KNOW IT'S ALL WRONG, ISN'T IT? ...

Please give me praise for partial success. Reward me for self-improvement, not just for perfection.

BUT WHY DO I ALWAYS GET YELLED AT? ...

Please catch me doing something right and praise me for the specific positive behavior. Remind me--and yourself--about my good points when I'm having a bad day.

{Author Unknown}