Great progress in school

This week has been much the same with Liam each night. There are repeated fits he has that go on and on until he gets his way. He wasn’t too bad on Monday, but Tuesday after school he was terrible. Liam had a tantrum in which he got very violent with Jill. Once Liam and Seamus got home from school, Seamus’ friend down the street asked if Seamus could go to the mall with him. Jill said yes and Liam right away thought he was going when Jill told him no, he began crying and screaming he wanted to go with Seamus. The neighbor pulled up in her van to pick up her son and Seamus and Liam sneaked his way into the van. Jill had to go in and get him out. Liam kicked, screamed, and hit, Jill as she pulled him out. As they were trying to leave Liam settled down for a minute, Jill put him down, and he then went back in the van. Jill had to go in again, and the kicking, hitting, and screaming started again. This time she was just carrying him in the house and he kept screaming and crying. When the van pulled away, Liam got angrier grabbed 2 fists full of hair and was pulling it. Jill said the look on Liam’s face was pure anger. Once she got in the house he screamed for a minute or so, and suddenly it was like switch went off, and Liam said he was hungry and ready for lunch. Jill said it was like seeing Jekyl and Hyde before her very eyes. After lunch Liam played for a short time and then took a nap.

When I arrived home Liam was all happy and excited about open house and his and Seamus’ school at night. Liam could not wait to go. This was quite evident as he repeatedly asked if it was time to go from the time I got home until the time we left. (4:30-6:55) During this time when he kept asking the question of when we were leaving, we would answer him. He would at times have small fits about it. His repeated questions and little fits really become irritating. We have used the approach of ignoring his fits and that seems to work at times.

At school we saw Seamus’ classroom and he showed us around. He was quite proud to be in kindergarten as he showed us practically everything in the room and introduced us to the other kids he has made friends with. It was great to see the excitement on Seamus’ face. Seamus is going to do great in school.

We went to Liam’s class next. Liam was very excited to see his classmates and teacher there. The amount of enthusiasm and pride Liam showed was great to see. He too showed us everything in his room. While there we talked with other parents we have gotten to know. It is really nice talking with the different families as while our kids have different problems, we all are happy to listen and share any advice or information with each other. We talked with Liam’s teacher to see how he has been in school. She said she can not be any happier with him. She said he participates in class, does what is asked of him, and most of all, know his routine each day. Each day after starting class Liam puts on his nametag, gets 2 reams of paper in little cart, and takes it down to the school office. He then returns to class and participates with them. At times his teacher said they need to redirect him, but it not as bad as it was last school year. What we came to the conclusion of was that Liam’s routine is the same as it was last year, the same students for the most part, same teachers (1 new one), and same room. Had Liam been in a different classroom and total different environment we are fairly certain he would have a hard time to adjust. We explained to his teacher how his tantrums have been in the afternoon and evening. After hearing how well he is doing in school and how well behaved he is, it sounds like after school he is just letting out the energy from being restrained in school. It makes a lot of sense. We are very glad to hear he is doing so well in school, but we need to find a way to help him and ourselves at home. When we meet with his neurologist in October we will discuss how to best work with him. Until then, we will continue to cope with him. Each day we try and think of different ways to handle him, and it is a very frustrating and never ending battle.

Wednesday was another day of the same routine. After school today, Jill had to take Aidan and Brendan to the doctor. She also had to take Seamus and Liam as no one was available to watch them. It turns out Aidan and Brendan each have respiratory infections. Aidan also had an ear infection. They are both on medicine now at least. Liam while there was pretty good, but at times still a handful.

This evening Liam wasn’t too bad. He went and played with his friend Kelly. Liam and Kelly came over our house as it started raining, so Kelly just went back home. Liam was having fun just playing out in the rain. Liam came up to me quite early in the evening and wanted to take a bath. I tried to tell him to just play, but he insisted on the bath. We came in, he bathed, and was ready for bed. It was good that he got to bed early. He needs a good night sleep after his busy day. We will see how Thursday goes. Liam’s class is going to the bus garage. Last year Liam was a bit apprehensive there. Let’s hope for the best!