“Inclusion” is the proactive form of “acceptance.”
As Jonah has gotten older, he has developed a HUGE case of #FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
He has really become more aware of his own social-emotional development.
I no-longer have to entice him to transition from a preferred activity with promises of another MORE preferred activity.
Now, I can pull him away from the beach or the sprinkler park or just about ANYWHERE simply by asking him if he wants to go see what brother is doing, even if Jonny isn’t actually doing anything.
His anxiety will spike if Jonny gets to do anything or go anywhere without him.
This is both “good” and “bad.”
I love that Jonah wants to be included and involved in activities with others, especially his brother…
…but Jonny is now 14 and becoming his own person. Sometimes he doesn’t want to hang out with his little brother, and that’s okay.
Rather, we are slowly learning that “that’s okay.”
Sometimes Jonah wants to do what others are doing…
Sometimes Jonah wants to do his own thing.
But he ALWAYS wants to be invited.
#ausome