Label conundrums

I've decided there is no true winning as a parent in a label-ridden society. Especially  since Rose has a chrome book. 

Let me back up. 

First, Rose has been labeled with multiple diagnoses. They're dead on, by the way. Plus, by understanding needs related to the labels--combined with the help of great advancement in psychological medicine--we've seen Rose make significant strides. Labels here don't give Rose an excuse at all. They're positive communication vehicles for us as her guardians. Yayyyy for labels in this instance.

Enter the Chrome Book...

A chrome book with no real filters handed to a kiddo with boundary issues, a family history that's scary, at best, and a lack of value in education. 

Enter the helicopter parents...yes, we've been labeled. 

Labeled as such because we review Rose's history daily and notice trends. We call or email the school frequently to ask how or why so much time was spent browsing Harry Potter sites instead of doing Algebra.

Yet, still the stupid label stings. Especially when we have to work so hard to protect her. Especially when people like social workers who get our kiddo say we are doing the right things. Still, most others don't get it, and so we're hit with a label.

Plus, if we decide to let go and give rose "normal" privileges of a 13-year-old she creates a Facebook profile using her birth name, applies no security to he page and includes our street address. That really happened. We just found it. Scary.

So for those of you asking me to pretend I have a "normal" kid, the advice is appreciated but that label is least helpful of all. She is beautiful because she survived what most normal kids can't and has intelligence beyond her years. She is amazing. She isn't normal. If she was, she'd be in a mental health ward.

So I'll take it... Helicopter parent.. This tiger mom would rather have a well adjusted kid who I've healed, than a mess who I pretended was "just like" a "fully adjusted" kiddo.  

Great blog post

I came across the following and wanted to share it here because it's so true. It also accurately lists things you shouldn't say to adoptive parents.

http://headsup07up.blogspot.com/2014/09/10-things-not-to-say-to-adopted-child.html?m=1

All about her day

We made it through another first day of school. Applause!! Freedom!! Happy dance!!

I love the first day of school, and not because of the parental euphoria it causes.

I love it because I have started taking it off so I can start the day in the exact, same, way.

First, I choose what I want to make for breakfast. Today was banana chocolate chip pancakes. Super delicious, I recommend you try it: http://greatideas.people.com/2014/03/14/bakerella-chocolate-chip-banana-pancakes-recipe/

After breakfast is consumed, we snap the obligatory first day of school pic, included below, along with her 7th grade picture, and a link to 4th, 5th and 6th.

Once Rose is gone I set to work prepping the dinner I let her choose. Tonight, for the second year she asked for lasagna. 

After the kitchen is cleaned up, I get a little mommy time. Today was even better cause Mike was home and did the breakfast dishes.

My favorite part of the day is being home when Rose is so we can walk Moxie while she tells me about her day ... Which is usually me asking a million quotations after being told, "it's fine" or "it's boring."

I made cookies today, chocolate chip toffee with a hint of peanut butter that were warm and gooey when she and I returned from the Moxie walk. I know ... It's sickeningly perfect sounding... But it's meant to be. I want the first day of school  to be just that.

Now the obligatory photos...

Eighth 

Seventh

Fourth, Fifth, Sixth

http://amadoption.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-few-more-september-photos.html