Friday, September 7, 2012

First day of school - update

Well.  The first day of school is now complete.  Thank the lord, because I don't think I can handle any more of this first-day-of-school-with-twins-and-one-with-CP stress.  Seriously.  Enough already.

I was going about enjoying my morning on my own.  Then the phone rang.  It was 11:30 and already their teacher was calling.  She assured me that both boys were doing well, but that Ben was complaining of being tired.

Apparently, they did more walking than normal this morning.  They did a tour of the school, went to music class and of course, went outside for recess.  It was now lunchtime and she was wondering if it was OK for Ben to use his wheelchair when they went back outside to play.

(Some background:  The plan is for Ben to use his walker for the most part.  It's to be used for all outdoor time as well as for longer distances inside the school.  His quad canes are also there for use for shorter distances like to the washroom, water fountain or library, which are all about 20 feet from the classroom.  His wheelchair is also at the school.  However, it is only to be used for fire drills and field trips.)

Well.  To be honest, I didn't know what to do.  As Ben's mom, I know that he tires much more easily than other kids his age.  I also know that he often complains that he is tired, but that if motivated can walk A LOT more than he lets on. 

I was really conflicted.  But I held my ground.  I really didn't want to set a precedent on his first day at school that it was OK to use the wheelchair.  I want him to WALK at school.  I want him to push his limits just a little bit each day.  I want his endurance to improve. 

But, of course, I then went on to stress for the next 2 hours that I had made the wrong decision.  1:30 couldn't get here fast enough!

Turns out, I made the right choice.  Ben's aide admitted that he was playing them and they almost fell for it!  He did great with his walker outside after lunch and they are starting to see what he can do.

I am so glad I held my ground.  Phew.  First hurdle over with...I wonder how many more of these "decisions" I will have to make this year...

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