Just right about the 24th, I have noticed more grouchiness in general. Daily episodes of general upset about one thing or another. The first time it had to with my picking the park we went to that day. I wasn't really in the mood to go (it was pretty chilly that day), and he wanted to make sure we went somewhere "fun". He also took 1-2 hour naps on his vacation, just about daily. His attitude about school of course increased as we got closer to this past Monday, which I knew would happen. My kid just simply hates school.
The morning of the 1st, Jack was grouchy about everything I did or said, and commented that it was the worst day ever. (How it could possibly be the worst by 7:30am, I have no idea!). At school, he did end up having a great day. The next morning he was mad at me because I wouldn't let him take his Pika backpack to school with him. (He refuses to hear that Pika is anything but a living creature, and he wants to take Pika absolutely everywhere with him!). Because they were scheduled to have a field trip on Thursday, the Intervention Specialist sat down with him and created a behavior contract, which would help him to keep his behavior on track. (Part of that included spending at least some time in the regular teacher's room, which Jack has started to avoid altogether). That day was pretty decent in school as well.
Meanwhile, as this is all going on, we have somehow started to allow play time with the neighbor boys. I have not really allowed this much before, because honestly, I'm not thrilled with the idea of my super impressionable 10 yr old (who is absolutely fascinated by all things WRONG and BAD) playing guns, etc. Also, only one parent on this street have I spent any time talking to, but I'm not really crazy about her son (who is a year in between Jack and his sister Savannah). Trouble is that Jack is pulling away from people. He told me that he doesn't really want to be around anyone, and he is choosing to spend more and more time out of the regular classroom, and even during recess and lunch. This could mean any number of things- he knows he's different, he's becoming aware that he's different, kids are picking on him, or his medication is having some effect on him and perhaps causing depression (or who knows what).
As with anything we let Jack do, he has become whiny or downright mean when it comes to times when he can't play with the neighbors. The other day, I told Jack before we picked Savannah up from school, that he needed to get his watch, set it, and then I told him that as soon as we got home from getting her, he could go play next door. He was told what time I wanted him home, and I made him repeat the time back to me. He wasn't thrilled, but he "agreed". About 5pm, he came home with the group of boys, and they hung out in the back for a bit playing basketball. (We're the only ones with a hoop I think, which means I should expect visitors this summer!). He kept telling them that the game HORSE was stupid (he's not into basketball), and they wanted him to go get his sister to play with them. (Gee, this isn't very promising!) Then they decided to go play at another boy's house. (Meanwhile, I cringe as I watch boys slowly make their way across the street.. very sloooowly). 5:30 comes and goes. 6pm comes and goes. The Husband and I talk about how we are going to sit Jack down when he gets home and tell him exactly what it means to come home when we say to, etc. We yell out the door, but no sign of Jack. I know exactly where he is, and I could call the mother to have him come home, but I know he would get miffed, so we send Savannah. We also realize this will have a similar effect, so we just wait for the fireworks. Jack comes in absolutely pi$$ed at Savannah. He also doesn't have a watch. He also claims he didn't know what time he needed to be home.
The trouble with my Jack is that nothing is his fault. Everyone else did it. It's not his fault he didn't have his watch, and of course why should he think to ask someone? So instead of just saying "Sorry, I'll pay attention next time", he just yells at everyone and gets extremely rude. I know this isn't the medication talking- it's just him.
So the following day, Thursday, he didn't end up having a field trip. Dang thing was rained out. So the behavior contract (in his mind) flew right out the window. (Though his ability to play with the other boys does rely somewhat on his behavior at school). He did end up having a good day, up until the last half hour when he was very disrespectful.
It was yesterday when he chose to stay in the IS's room for both lunch and recess. He also came out of school upset, because (in his words) the IS was mean to him and was telling him where his homework was. On the behavior sheet for the week, she says that he was actually upset that he was asked to record his homework. He told me he makes mistakes and sometimes people don't know where their homework is. Um... HUH??
One thing that maybe never fails to astound me is just how much Jack's version of events is different from everyone else's. I think in some ways it shows his sense of self preservation. He has to be right, he has to be free of blame.. because he doesn't like those feelings. It's just easier to put that on other people. In the process, though, he fails to take any responsibility for his actions.
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