Kid Group Session #4

Hi Parents!

We had ten kids tonight, including one new child, “T.” He easily integrated in the group and appeared to be accepted by the other kids. Only a few of the kids have LUNCH Points. We needed to take some additional time to make certain that the log-in feature was working in a secure manner and we are now satisfied that is the case. By Monday, you will receive your username, password, and log-in instructions. Additionally, as we have done in the past, we will create a video tutorial for the LUNCH Points Program. Tonight, we had a surprise raffle and two of the kids won a $10 gift certificate to Best Buy and a $10 Limited Too gift certificate. The “entry” for LUNCH Points is one log-in from a parent. Whether your child has 20 log-ins or 1 log-in in between the group sessions, they have an equal chance to win.

For the group itself, in contrast to the last time when your kids were here, shall we say…less than, tonight was a complete turn around. They were patient with one another. They spontaneously found new behaviors to work on. They appeared to “gel” more as a group and they simply were better able to handle the various changes that sometimes occur quickly that is a designed part of the group. The kids handled frustration, they were able to show consideration for one another, and the raffle ticket appeared to have more meaning to them.

The newest child, whose mother said that it was unlikely he would eat anything, appeared to perform a magic trick, making his chicken strips at Tony Roma’s disappear. Other kids also enjoyed ordering and those of your children who have dietary restrictions tried to be responsible about adhering to them.

In the session itself, we did not do a project tonight, but rather spent the time having new kids introduced, having the group explain how it works to the new kids (we have one student who has only been to group one time previously), and then also spending extra time as we went over to Tony Roma’s.

If you have particular feedback about how your child enjoyed or did not enjoy the group tonight, please feel free to email me at lunchgroups@gmail.com. (lunchgroups at gmail dot com; you know what this means). Remember if you have not already signed up for feed burner, all you have to do is click on the blog link on the website and then when you are at your child’s blog, you can sign up on the right. If you have other questions, of course feel free to be in touch.

Look forward to seeing you in December, but wait, wait!

We are having a combined parent dinner on Tuesday, December 18th from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Please do mark your calendars and plan to come. The cost will be $15 per person and it will be for Chinese food (the restaurant is close to our office). Details to follow.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Bruce

Kid Group Session #3

Hi Parents,

Tonight we completed a cartoon animation, which you will be able to find on the website after tomorrow. We also had a parent meeting tonight, which was .... interesting. :)

Because we had gone 3 weeks since our last meeting, it showed in the kid's behavior. They alternated between being well-behaved and organized and seeking attention for problem behaviors and becoming upset over minor events. The way the evening occurred was as follows: The kids came in and socialized in the waiting room before entering the group room where they completed the animation. Some of the kids earned LUNCH Point Certificates and used them to play the Wii, choosing others to join them.

About 1/2 hour before the parent meeting, we wen to Gelsons shopping for the kid's dinners. Some minor problems with portion control occurred, as a couple of kids ordered fairly "good-sized" portions, that they barely consumed (anyone for egg tarragon salad?).

Most of the parents showed tonight and we reviewed the LUNCH Points program, new additions to the www.lunchgroups.com website, parent tele-meetings, and general updates.

Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the kids were more distracted and labile tonight. This may have been due to them being excited their parents were coming. It works best if family members do not say "hi" and go over to their kids as they come to the meeting. It has the unintentional side effect of distracting the kids. Other than one child threatening to sue another over their inappropriate social behavior and three kids saying they never wish to return, it went pretty well. :(

I think it's important to have the parent meetings occur, and remember, we will be alternating between the "in office" parent meetings and parent tele-meetings every other month. Next month will be a tele-meeting and I will survey parents for the best date.

The siblings who accompanied their parents were very well-behaved.

See you next meeting, November 19th. Be sure to have your kids bring jackets and their LUNCH Points certificates. If you wish to add behaviors to LUNCH Points, it is your child's responsibilty to bring that up at the next session.