6

This is my oldest girl. She is extremely bright and sensitive. My scientist, perfectionist. This is a girl who works hard at everything she does. "I don't give up" is her motto.

This week she had a few hard lessons to learn. Her report card last week had an appalling comment - to the effect that she could only be productive when she was constantly encouraged by the teacher. It was also noted that this neediness could not be met in a classroom setting, and if it did not change immediately, her future was in jeopardy.

How do you teach a perfectionist child to let go of perfection and just put her ideas on paper?! I spoke with her about putting thoughts on paper immediately, then scanning later for editing purposes. I have started doing alot of improv games with the girls. Quick response, whatever comes out is workable, silly fun stuff. I am going to make up a game for putting it on paper. Maybe something where we work on a story together. I do one sentence and she does the next one. See how crazy it can be...

She had to learn a lesson in 'gambling' this week. Decided to battle Yuh-Gi-Oh with a grade 5 boy. He insisted on playing "keepsies" - although the school rule is to always allow trade-backs. She lost her most prizeed card. One of the parents suggested I take it up with the stafff so she could get her card back, but as far as I am concerned, it all ties into taking responsibility for your own actions and the consequences of your actions. She's okay with it. (whew!)

Another hard thing this week is that all lthe kids in her karate class who are at the same level wil be promoted at the end of the month - all but 6. We missed a few classes because she was being awkward about getting homework done, and one week when J was away. Now she will be one belt behind the others. I am trying to tie it all together. If you cannot do your homework in a timely manner when asked, we cannot go to karate. If you do not go to karate regularly, you cannot be promoted with the others. She's smart but stubborn. Eventually it will all ffall into place.

...I hope...