Counseling

There was a slip of paper in Joanna's backpack the day before yesterday. It said that my child has been referred to the counselor for counseling. I had to sign it if I agreed to her having the counseling. So, I called to see what up. She was very nice. Joanna's teacher suggested it because.... 1. She's super shy. 2. She's over dependant. 3. She wants the teacher's attention all the time.

Yeah, I knew that already.

1. For the first two years of Joanna's life, it was just the two of us. I didn't know anyone in Mexico. So, the only face she saw was mine except for the few trips to the neighbors. Hubby came down every 2 weeks but it was probably 24hrs total he was there. So, she really doesn't know how to interact with other kids.

2. She has a bad habit of saying she can't do something. Believe me, I do not do everything for her. I saw how my nieces and nephews can't do squat for themselves and if Joanna later says she did it without help, I will be happy. Of course, we are here for the big stuff. But to make a sandwich? She can do it and does. But, obviously, she is using the can't do it at school.

3. She loves her teacher and we explained to her that she has 18 other kids to watch and teach. But, Joanna loves approval and probably wants her to say "Good girl" for every little thing.

I agreed to the counseling. She said that it was a small group of kids, one on one time and lots of reinforcement on thing and choices the kids make on their own.

One of the newest things is that Joanna wants to be escorted to her class by someone when we arrive at the door. I tell her she can do it herself and has!

I had to laugh this morning.......she had her first counseling yesterday...and now raises her fists up and says "I can do it!"

Well this morning, we're walking up to the door and she raised her fists up and said "I can do it!" and walked to the lady at the door and said "Will you walk me to my class?"

OMG.