However, being 5 doesn't automatically mean that he is ready to do "the typical 5-year-old things". That can be discouraging at times, but I've learned to celebrate what he can do.
One of the Nine Essentials of the Anat Baniel Method is "Flexible Goals" and I have definitely learned that being flexible in my expectations for Emmett is really important. If I spent all of my days worrying that Emmett isn't meeting the goals that some standardized test says he should be, then I would be miserable!
Almost Emmett's entire life has been filled with therapists setting goals and assessing his progress. At least that is how traditional therapies work. I learned early on that it didn't really matter what those charts and assessments said. Progress is progress, no matter how small.
Emmett may not be learning his letters or how to cut with scissors, but he IS learning! He's learning that he can communicate with pictures, when he wants something. He's learning how to climb stairs, even if he has to hold someone's hand with every step. He's learning to be more independent by using a spoon, unfastening his shoes, and carrying his lunch box.
Emmett may not be learning his letters or how to cut with scissors, but he IS learning! He's learning that he can communicate with pictures, when he wants something. He's learning how to climb stairs, even if he has to hold someone's hand with every step. He's learning to be more independent by using a spoon, unfastening his shoes, and carrying his lunch box.
Having flexible goals doesn't mean that I don't push Emmett to try new things or to work hard, it just means that it's okay if he doesn't do things in the way or in the timing that many people might expect him to. It also allows me to truly enjoy every accomplishment!
Just last week, he reached for something with his non-dominant hand without prompting and he climbed up onto the seat of his daddy's lawn mower almost completely by himself. That may not seem like a big deal for most 5-year-olds, but if you know Emmett, that is a very big deal!
Having flexible goals not only helps me deal with the day-to-day challenges of raising Emmett, but it also helps in all areas of my life. Whether it's dealing with things not going as planned for dinner, having to take a detour, or having technical difficulties, none of these things are worth ruining my day over.
I'm sure that many of you reading this are parents and would agree that being a parent pretty much requires you to have flexible goals or you would go insane! Children are definitely unpredictable and can make life very interesting! There is a lot of truth to the phrase: "better to bend than to break" and following this advice will make for a much happier, less stressful life.
So, the next time your child chooses his own outfit and looks like he belongs in the circus, just smile and get on with your day. After all, no one has ever died from wearing mismatched clothes and maybe it will give you a chance to share your new found freedom with another struggling parent!
Having flexible goals not only helps me deal with the day-to-day challenges of raising Emmett, but it also helps in all areas of my life. Whether it's dealing with things not going as planned for dinner, having to take a detour, or having technical difficulties, none of these things are worth ruining my day over.
I'm sure that many of you reading this are parents and would agree that being a parent pretty much requires you to have flexible goals or you would go insane! Children are definitely unpredictable and can make life very interesting! There is a lot of truth to the phrase: "better to bend than to break" and following this advice will make for a much happier, less stressful life.
So, the next time your child chooses his own outfit and looks like he belongs in the circus, just smile and get on with your day. After all, no one has ever died from wearing mismatched clothes and maybe it will give you a chance to share your new found freedom with another struggling parent!
Emmett's shirt says, "Wake up, be awesome, repeat!"
Big boy, on the move!
