Raising a teenager who has Down syndrome is not all sunshine and roses. Angela, like most teenage girls, is a moody little thing! This morning she is refusing to take a shower, so we're having a stand-off.
There is no such thing as a quick shower for Angela. Once the water turns on, it becomes a stage with an amazing sound system! You know that great echo that showers give? Angela is fully aware of the improved sound quality and takes full advantage of it, singing her heart out (at top volume) until the water runs cold. This is why I woke her up at 6:30, so there would be plenty of time for the hot water to run out. And, last night she promised to take a shower this morning with "no problems" which USUALLY means there will be NO PROBLEMS!
Angela does NOT like to be late for school, and in particular does not like to miss Home Base, which is at 7:50. It is now 7:13. (Remember, she's been up since 6:30) If she is going to make it to Home Base then the little cookie better get her rear end into the shower!
Today is not one of those days super days, and I'm not caving on the shower business. She's just going to be late for school, and that will be where the consequence happens. She's going to be upset about it. She won't like having to tell the office why she's late, nor will she like that she missed Home Base and the fun things they do in there.
It's a good thing I don't have to be anywhere this morning. And that I'm not also getting someone else out the door at the same time. (speaking of which, if you're not following my adoption blog, you might want to be doing that this week!)
Tell her if she doesn't get in the shower quick you are going to send her my way where everyone gets a four minute shower. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL Christine! We have resorted to just turning the hot water off on her a few times. I want to find some kind of a shower timer. She has no concept of time, but I think she would do well with shower timer. Anything other than a person telling her to get out. Especially if I could mark the timer somehow. Like when it gets HERE you have to rinse your hair. And when it gets HERE you need to wash your face. That kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteHey Christine, when you're done with your move, can I take you up on your offer for a week? ROFL
ReplyDeleteThey do have shower timers. My sister had one for her girls. Google it and see what you find. They do work. Good luck.
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