As the parent of a 2e kiddo, I’ve found that you really have to laser in on the things that matter to see progress.  If I’m looking at my kid from the big picture standpoint, it’s depressing.  Some things we’ve been working on for years, and we’ll still be working on them for years to come (I’m looking at you, executive functioning.)  Other things – we see leaps and jumps of progress!

Take tonight.  I signed up the Engineer for a one-time class to make fused glass ornaments.  He had asked weeks ago if we could do a fused glass project and I had to say no.  We don’t have a kiln, so nope, not happening.  Then I saw this!  I read the description, sent up a wish and a hope, and plopped down money reserving our spot.

What could possibly go wrong?

I mean, think about it.  Impulsive kid, sharp glass, unknown teacher – what’s not to love about this, right?  I had NO idea how it would go, and I went into the class fully prepared to pull his butt back out tree-less and go home sans money.

Instead, he surprised me.  Instead, he was careful, respectful, and calm.  Mostly.

Standing out

He was the only kid.  The only male, actually.  Everyone else was clearly there for a ladies’ night out and some mom/daughter bonding time.  I was the one with the wiggly, non-stop talking kiddo who wanted to make some beautiful trees.

He did.  Make trees, that is.  He even managed to pull off the snowman he was dying to create.  He had a little help for the eyes and buttons, but woohoo!  Go kiddo!  He loved it so much he bounced out there full of plans for his next project.

This is what it’s like?

Tonight felt so normal.  I’m not used to normal.  It made me tear up a bit – this is what everyone else has?  All the time?  Going somewhere, doing something fun, without meltdowns, running away, and destroying stuff?  I like it!

Tonight gives me hope – that he’s making progress.  That he CAN mature and learn to control his impulsive body.  Better yet, it gives him hope.  It bolsters his self-esteem and confidence, knowing that he is capable of doing better, even after a difficult day.  (we won’t go into the difficult day details, but yikes!  not a fun day.)

We’ll see the trees in about a week after they go through the kiln.  Working on that patience thing, right?  Good lessons all the way around!