To Donna and Cindy Re: Good Mornings

[Guest guest]

Yippee for both of you!!! I have been there many times as well, so I

know how a good morning can make you feel like you've won the jackpot

of life. It is the start of your day, so it sets the tone for the

day, week, etc.

I just want to reiterate (and I know you probably are doing this)

that reward and praise for this is essential! The praise in itself

can be its own reward. But be sure to talk to them after school, or

write a note and leave it (, I know your son is much older, may

not be able to talk to him) so they know what a great job they did

for THEMSELVES. Stress " I bet it made you feel good, are you proud of

yourself because I am, I knew you had the strength in you to do it,

you make OCD weaker because of that strength " , or similar things.

It is really hard not to fall into the trap of " that was a great

morning, but " in your mind. What I mean is, we love the good moments,

but expect the negative to come back the next day (which is very

likely, unfortunately) but we need to try to focus on the positive.

Knowing they did it just ONE time means there is hope!!!!

I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of you that you have another

good day tomorrow! But hey, if it's only one good day a week that is

still progress. In fact, you may want to tell your sons, that, too --

" if we can have just one day a week of you getting out the door

nice, it would be wonderful " You could offer an incentive for that.

Maybe that could evolve into 2 days a week, etc. Stick a note in

their lunchbox, backpack, etc offering encouragement along the way.

Good luck!

nna

NY