This year has been full of ups and downs.  In the fall, my 14-year-old started high school.  Well, technically she started high school, and stayed half time at our local school for special needs students.  Within a few short weeks, we (including her full “team”) knew this was not going to work.  300 kids pile in to the cafeteria at the high school to eat lunch right along side with Phoebe.  She freaked out.  I don’t really blame her.  This can be overwhelming for most people.  This was a breaking point for me.  I can’t fight the fight anymore.  While I really want my daughter to be able to write a paper, do algebraic problems, conduct a science experiment and be in the high school musical, this is not reasonable.  These exact things cause the most anxiety in her, and myself.  She has meltdowns, and then I have meltdowns.  (That is not pretty)  She doesn’t like these academic restrictions put on her.  She has a hard time processing these things.  Do I think she is smart??  OF COURSE I do.  She is smart in ways that most schools don’t measure.

I have stated what Phoebe’s strengths are.  She can be a great helper for adults and little children.  She loves to do laundry, write lists, and grocery shop.  She loves to tell me when I am going the wrong way, or that I forgot my blinker in the turn lane.  She can name all the people in my address book, and where they live, how many kids and pets they have.  Sometimes she can even remember a story about them that I might have told.  She LOVES to boss people around (her way of controlling life).

In October, I switched her over to Millet Learning Center full-time.  I gave in to the fact that she won’t do math, and won’t really do writing.  I embraced her strengths, and love the fact that they do too.  She will still do things that aren’t appropriate and seek attention in the wrong manner, but they get it.  They understand Phoebe.  She will still struggle at times, and I’m prepared for that.  I just didn’t have the energy to fight the battle anymore.  She’s happier, and I’m happier.  She still gets a “school” experience but in a place that is easier for her, and easier for me.

Thank you for all that help our “special” children.  It’s not easy.  We know. (We live with it)