I Take “Idle” Threats Seriously

All three of the kids have difficulty reading the communication of others. Joshua and Ariel will think that kids who are not being very friendly are actually their friends. Ariel is a little better, but when she is with other kids she tends to shut down and observe. She wants friends so she tries to participate. Joshua is not as observant if another child is talking to him – that is it they are “friends!” The YMCA activity center has given them social opportunities to learn from, but not all of them have been the most positive. Last Thursday, I went to go get them after my workout, there was a little boy in there that was playing the Wii with them and he said things that were not very nice to Ariel.

My motherly instincts kicked in and I told him, in a gentle way that what he was saying was not very nice or even accurate.

He quickly changed his tune – we were on our way out so I did not think much of it. Ariel and Joshua usually download the entire goings on during the hour that they are in there while we are on our way home – that day was no different. They nonchalantly told me that the boy had said, “I hate you.” You are an idiot!” and “I am going to kill you!” As well as some other things. The boys that are in this center have proven to be a bit aggressive. There was even an instance when a little girl bullied Ariel. The more my kids are sharing the more I am reconsidering letting them go any longer.

Continued ... I Take “Idle” Threats Seriously