When you have a twice-exceptional child, you develop a team of experts that understand your unique parenting issues. As an important member of our team, we gain great insight from each appointment with Dr. Steven Curtis. Dr. Curtis comes from a place of celebrating strengths and interests instead of focusing on struggles. I have to admit that this was a new approach for me and one that I wasn’t comfortable with initially. For our first visit, I had a long laundry list of things that “needed to be fixed” and thought that was why we were going. It didn’t take long for me to see the benefits of approaching parenting from a positive place; honestly, it has changed our family.
We felt as though a summer “check in” was a great idea and it gave us an excuse to ride the ferry and enjoy a bit of island life. In addition to the helpful appointment, I took a page from Dr. Curtis’ book and noticed several positives during our day.
First, my TBP sat patiently in the waiting room while the adults spoke; it was 15-20 minutes and he didn’t interrupt once. Next, my son walked in alone and actively participated in the session. When the appointment was over, he was talkative and even remarked about how fun the time was with Dr. Curtis and what they would do when he returned.
After the appointment, we were all quite hungry. We found a favorite restaurant and ordered drinks, sandwiches and fries. By this time, my son was really thirsty and in the past, this could have caused a scene. Today, he waited until his drink came without complaints or stress. While we waited for our food, we played with Army men that my son had brought on the trip. I can’t remember the last time that the iPad wasn’t needed in a restaurant.
Now Universe…please don’t think I’m getting too full of myself and that you need to teach me a lesson! I know that parenting is a roller coaster and we will hit lows at times; just let me enjoy this great success for a little bit! 🙂
My Twice Baked Potato 
Yay for positives! May there be many, many more in your journey!!
Ingi-thank you! We are hoping the same 🙂
It is good to hear about your Doctor. The fact that your son is so engaged with him means he is ready to learn, not only with his head…but with his heart. I think this Doctor will really help your son in important ways. He comes from a place of wisdom. Yes…you concentrate on strengths in life. Take care of the big things…the small won’t matter (in the larger scheme of things). The larger things lead you to success…the small missteps may then be cataloged as lessons learned.
When you live life with a passion…there is no room in your heart for chronic shame, hatred, or fear. The greatest life lessons come from passion…and the resulting victories. A victory once had…is forever remembered…and will be his guide for future successes.
I know you know this. You recognized the Doctor’s methods. Your son is in good hands…not only in the Doctor’s…but, mostly, because he is in yours. You are leading him to be a fine young man. Kudos to you.
Thank you!
Today was a harder morning despite a good vacation and long stretch without chaos.
Your support, kind words & advice always seems to arrive when most needed 🙂
I love this! We’re still at the “iPad at restaurant” stage but YAY that you’re 2ce BP is moving on (I hope!!!). I love that you have such a good relationship with your doc, too. that’s HUGE.
And hugs. Because maybe you want one tonight.
Thank you so much! I really Could use one to ought because today was a long day!
We often have the iPad in restaurants, grocery shopping and the car but are starting to push so it isn’t the automatic response it was before-not to say that we don’t use it when we need it!
Thanks for the visit and support and hope you come back again y’all! 🙂