Vicarious Rocky

Indy is still slow, but better. Seems to me that Indy needs all kinds of coaching and practice in things that come easy for other kids. Like riding a bike, talking, and coloring.

He's made great strides in transitions, socialization, and my favorite, "Line." He's also taking direction better, but clearly remains in his own little world when overstimulated. He's still failing language skills and small motor skills.

We, the Lewis parents, now have a new sense of urgency and it's called Kindergarten. If he can't master pencil grip by September of 2010, he's going to be in a world of hurt. Well, really just a world of frustration. And he is, they tell me, way behind. I have certainly noticed, but have been so focused on Language, social and large motor problems this summer, that I only worked on writing his name. And they told me he couldn't write his name, so they obviously don't feel our efforts were sufficient there.

But overall it was a good meeting. Sage summed it up well saying that this year he's not taking this personally. That's exactly how I felt. This really is about Indy and meeting him where he's at. The goals of all this seemed to really emerge at this new meeting. It's about giving Indy as much help as possible to reduce frustration and help him fit in so he doesn't feel isolated. That's it. Nice and simple. We're not creating the world's brightest anything. Not making sure he supersedes the Jones boy. Not honing his skills for the 8th grade debate team. Just trying to ensure a happy, well-adjusted kid.

The best thing about Indy is he's clearly very bright and amazingly creative. He's also curious about life and very insightful about situations and people. I think once this development stuff clicks and he catches up with his peers, they'll be no stopping him.