The importance of stamina

Kids can last a long time. Sometimes, a really long time. They hold out in hopes that the adult in charge will give up or forget about a consequence, and then the kid can go about his/her business doing whatever they want. They're really smart like that!

My son is no exception, so for the last two weeks, I gritted my teeth and vowed that he would have time alone in his room before and after supper with little to do (while his sisters get TV time) until he stopped being sent out of his classroom. After 10 days I began to doubt myself: Was I being too hard on the little guy? Was I expecting too much? Was he not neurologically able to make good choices and stay in his classroom? Doubting Mommy had shown up. You know, that little goody-goody that believe children don't really misbehave, parents just screw up. Well, I told her to go away (after a great discussion with a learning specialist who works with me and asked, "When do you want him to behave? Is it just when the weather is good? Just when life is going smoothly? Or, do you actually want him to behave everyday?" She's awesome by the way!). So, I persevered. And guess what? On Day #14, he came home with a huge grin on his face and announced that he did it! He had stayed in his room for the whole day without being sent out once. WOO HOO! I'm not delusional enough to think it's forever, but I'm prepared to hold out again; the results were worth it!