STALLING...

Cole could teach a class on "The Best Way to Stall" these days. He has acquired quite a creative approach to procrastination and avoidance. Cole has never been one to have colossal meltdowns when things aren't going his way or when he doesn't want to do something; don't get me wrong, the kid can pour on the drama in nanoseconds and win an Oscar (typically at the end of a long day) but he so rarely flips his lid that it barely needs mentioning.

I have to give him kudos for finding clever ways to "mask" his delay tactics. Here are several in his arsenal.

Cole eats on European time, grazing at his meals for nearly an hour. Although I embrace the "slow eating movement" as it is better for digestion, at some point, I have to close the kitchen. When I attempt to "encourage" him to finish up, he begins "stretching", explaining that stretching is good for his body. "Okay, great but why does it have to be done while you are eating?" I remark. "Mom, my muscles help my body make energy from my food but they get tired sometimes when I'm eating, so I have to stretch." Say What?

Despite the multiple times we give Cole a head's up about bedtime, he 99% of the time, whines that he isn't tired. After several futile attempts at negotiating five more minutes, he often decides that he has to tell us something. This kid can talk and when he shares a story, it is a five minute story. So he manages to gain his five minutes by telling us a story about something that happened during his day. Though Dave and I enjoy hearing his tales, we find it "funny" how when we both ask him questions about his day earlier in the evening, he forgets or doesn't remember what he did. After he chats away, he skips away to brush his teeth, all is well in the world with those extra few minutes gained, LOL.

Cole has ALWAYS detested taking medication of any kind. The tears start to well and he backs away. He truly has a fear for some reason and thus every sip or every drop has to be planned out. Lately, in his quivering voice he'll go "I have a plan" or "here's an idea". He then spells out intricately how he wants me or Dave to help him take the medication. Literally, what should take seconds, takes nearly 10 minutes but at least he is realizing it has to get done and taking ownership in what will help him accomplish it.