Operation Humble Jumble

He's only 7. I am constantly reminding myself as the boy in front of me- the top of his head coming to my chin- balls his fists and glares telling me NO- under no certain terms will he listen. There will come a time when I will not be able to physically remove James from any situation- that time is coming sooner rather than later. :(

Where did time go? I spent this weekend in awe of the change that has taken place in James. I spent several hours flipping through old photos of him. Most of the behavior is for attention even though it's negative.

We were at the farm for 5 fabulous days. It was a great visit. But from 2pm on James was possessed by the devil. When at home Matt and I can put a lid on on the horny tailed devil, being on the road was a different story. So we sit at the table our first morning back home listening to Because of Winn Dixie writing thank you's, I'm sorries and occasionally crying because the hammer has dropped.

We took all forms of screen time away for 2 weeks. To follow through Matt canceled our Dish and password protected all the screens in the house. When 1 Beaver is grounded we are all grounded. But the truth is that it is forcing me to spend quality time with the boys to be less distracted with screen time myself. Making time together matter, being fully present. This was part of OUR problem.

Here's our plan of action:
James will be volunteering twice a week at a local school serving free and reduce lunch to kids under 18 this summer. He will collect garbage, buss tables and make new friends. Friends that will teach him more about life than I ever could.
While at this program he will be introduced to a former student's brother. He is the same age but goes to a different elementary school. See new friends mentioned above. He will invite him over several times a week and help me buy and pack weekend Book bags for both students to eat out of- something I've done solo since I met her.
James will be giving his new friend his fish tank. We will set it up, provide food and James will teach him how to care for it by going to his house every few weeks to change out the water.
James will also deliver Meals on Wheels once a month with his dad. Matt started this when he needed a few community service hours for his degree. It was an eye opener.
We will also pick a park a week to CnP. Clean and play.

So there you have it. Our plan in a nut shell. Through service learning and an introduction to class systems- as well as my constant praying it is my hope that James adds a little humility to his list of virtues. A little humility as well as more aspects that will help him become a successful and united member of any community he chooses to belong to.