Just a success story

I hope it’s okay to just submit a success. I don’t have a question.

We have been working with our four-year-old on disagreeing appropriately. He will sometimes say the words unprompted, but sometimes we still help him, telling him what to say each step of the way. And sometimes he remembers to ask to disagree appropriately without prompting!

A couple days ago, he got upset about something and started to tantrum. I reminded him to disagree appropriately (that is currently part of his plan, instead of an immediate correction for now – we’re working on taming those emotions right from the start, and he’s making great progress). Anyway, I reminded him to disagree appropriately and he said ok. He then sat for bit, rubbing his eyes and breathing heavily. Since he didn’t start disagreeing appropriately within a few seconds (this typically means he wants help), I began to prompt him. “Say, ‘Mom, I know you want …’”

I got about that far and he said, “Wait, Mom. I’m still mad.”

During those heavy breaths and eye rubs, he was so aware of himself and he knew he wasn’t ready yet to disagree appropriately! He did calm down, and then disagreed appropriately on his own. I’m so pleased at his progress!