I am smart...

OK....apparently my current status "Scolly is glad her kiddos have such a smart mom" has sparked some interest :) Yes, there's a story...

During a training for school a couple of years ago, I ran across a teacher who said she has her students say "I am smart" every day. I loved that idea!! As a teacher of kids who have special needs, I often hear about and have to report on their limitations, but I much prefer to focus on their abilities. I doubt any of my students have ever said "I am smart" before entering my classroom. So we say it together every day. For the kiddos who are non-verbal, we sign it.

Then, last year, I went to an intensive camp which focused on kiddos who have Reactive Attachment Disorder (see my blog http://www.sparkpeople.com/myp
age_public_journal_individ
ual.asp?blog_id=1895427). At that camp, they talked about empowering the parent to take control of severe behaviors. We (the staff) called the parents "Awesome Mom" or "Awesome Dad".

So....between the two experiences, I've really put a focus on empowering MYSELF and others - and starting with something as simple as having kids say how smart they are!

Last night, my 9yo son grabbed the DS before heading to bed...I just happened to catch it out of the corner of my eye...and called him on it. He said his little brother had told him to get it for him. LOVELY!!

So tonight, my 6yo son snuck the DS - again - under his jammies - on the way back to bed. Luckily my hubby spied this and told me. I let it go a few minutes, then announced to my son that if there were an object hidden somewhere in or around his bed, he needed to bring it to me immediately. I also informed him how sad it would make me to have to throw away a toy on Mother's Day. Amazed that I knew about his sneakiness, he brought me the DS and I put it up. He asked me how I knew - and I used my standard reply - Because I'm very very smart!!! And I am! :)

I'm smart enough to tell the kids when I don't know answers to their questions. I'm smart enough to let them know when I've made mistakes. I love to encourage them, to acknowledge their accomplishments, and to tell them every day the wonderful ways they made my day brighter.

I used to ask them all every night before going to bed what their favorite part of their day was - I've not done that for a few months - I really need to do that again. For them AND for me. What a great way to focus on the good stuff. See...I AM smart :)