Patience (and GKGW)

Tonight is our Growing Kid's God's Way class.  We have been leading this class at our church for the last year and a half, and I must say I really love it.  Mostly because I need it!  I cannot say how wonderful it has been to repeat this course as often as I have by leading this class.  I have learned so much and it has been a huge blessing to our family.

One lesson, among many, that I have learned is that with my son, I have to be extremely patient.  

He has a much different personality than anyone in our little family.  My husband and I and our daughter all have "type A" personalities.  It's all go-go-go and do-do-do. 

DD has always been on board with this, I never had an issue bringing her to daycare or church.  A quick kiss and hug and "I love you" and she was off to play.  She is usually very compliant and quick to listen and obey.  (But I have learned that even with these traits in her, she still has heart issues that need to be dealt with -- they are easily covered up by good outward behavior.)

DS on the other hand, is not so "easy going".  He has a great BIG heart and is a fun-loving boy.  At his own pace.  I have learned that rushing him from one activity to another...well it just doesn't happen.  This took literally MONTHS for me to learn.

Every morning it was the same routine...we get ready for school, get in the van and we are all excited! 

Mommy:  "Yay, we are going to school"
DS:  'yay school' (heard from the backseat)
Mommy:  "Now son, there will be no tantrums at school today...yes Mommy?"
DS: 'yes nommy (like mommy, with an 'n')'

All the way down the hall...he is happy, happy.  Step into the door of his class. 

MELTDOWN. 

To the point where other parents are looking at me like we are both crazy.  And the teacher can't teach the class. 

This goes on for MONTHS.  Did I mention that already?

Then, after I finally decided to give-up (by this I mean pray.)  God answered...with a little thought. 

Patience.

Huh.  Patience.  Really?

So the next morning, I took Josh into class as usual.  We walked into the class, I set up his snack, and then I picked him up. 

And held him.  And waited.  And hugged him.  And waited.  (Insert foot tapping here, because this is SO not my personality.)  

Then, after several minutes, something happened. He said 'chair now'.  I let him down and he got in his chair and started eating snack. 

And I left. 

Amazing.

Since then he has been like a different boy in the morning.  I make sure that I spend that few extra minutes giving him attention, and letting him transistion at his own pace.  And when he's ready, he gets in his chair and says "Bye Nommy!" 

Amazing.