My two kids love to go outside every day and play on our swingset. Consequently, there is very little grass and a lot of dirt under the swings. Now that the weather has turned cooler and the kids are no longer in flip-flops all day, we are having a big problem with dirt being tracked into the house.
We have them stomping their feet before coming in, and leaving their shoes right inside the door. However, Ruthie often forgets. When she does, I have her sweep up the mess.
Last week, I noticed quite a bit of dirt on the kitchen floor. While in the car later, I asked Ruthie if she had done that. She admitted it, and I told her she would need to sweep it as soon as we got home. She willingly agreed to do this.
A few minutes later, Robert piped up. "Mom, I don't think it's fair that Ruth has to clean up the dirt."
Me: "Why not?"
Robert: "Because I'm the one who did it."
People, this is huge. HUGE, I tell you. Accepting the blame, personal responsibility, a guilty conscience... These are all things kids with Asperger's struggle with. I can't tell you how important this is.
I immediately told Robert how happy and proud I was of him for admitting this. (I still am. I get this warm, fuzzy feeling when I think of it.) He seemed very happy and proud of himself, as well.
He and Ruthie discussed it and decided they had both made the mess and they would clean it up together. And they did.
I am one happy, proud mama.
1 comment:
Wow. My kids prayed hard for months every day for Robert and another little boy named Chandler who have aspergers that they would be healed. Maybe this is a first step?! ;) We will kick up the prayers again.
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