Saturday, September 19, 2015

Transgender Talk

I have wanted to do a post about this topic for a while.  Not that I have any in depth knowledge on the subject, but Austin has discussed it with me since he watches "I am Jazz" and I explained to him about Caitlyn Jenner.  He understood it quite well and had a lot to say and ask questions about a child  that is a transgender female who he knew before transitioning.  (That is a post for another day.)

Tonight we were driving into town to pick up dinner.  My husband is away fishing with the guys so I thought, I deserve a break, Chinese food it is!  While I am driving, I hear Austin talking to Kaleigh about transgendered individuals.  Kaleigh is enlightening Austin with her knowledge of how someone transitions from a male to a female.  What changes and what doesn't (she doesn't go too in-depth, to her, you take pills and you can change gender).  Austin verbalizing back what his understanding is about transgendered females and males.  It is really interesting to hear a 7 year old and a 10 year old discussing this subject.  There is no prejudice or judging, just a very innocent conversation back and forth.  At the end of their conversation, Kaleigh said to me "Mom, I wish I was transgender, then I could be the brother Austin always wanted!"  "Gotcha Kaleigh!"  You would have to meet this little girl, she is wise beyond her years and anyone who meets her, agrees!

I have always taught my children to accept people for who they are and everyone is different in their own way.  They have asked a lot of questions in the last year about transgendered individuals and I have done my best to answer them.  It is important to me that Austin and Kaleigh continue to keep an open mind and loving heart!  They are both very sweet children.  I can only pray that they will continue to mature with the same attitudes and acceptance that I encourage.

All the best! *HUGS*

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Bullying Aftermath

I was talking to Austin after school the other day and asked how is day went, I do this everyday.  He said that everything was "good".  After last year, I ask more questions to ensure he is not being bullied again.  I asked who he played with at recess.  He said that he plays alone to "stay out of trouble".  I asked what he meant by that, and he said that he won't be targetted again if he is alone.  My heart broke!  I don't want him to be wondering around alone or off by himself all the time.  I was so sad!  He doesn't seem fazed by being alone but I am not letting it go at that.  I contacted the Psychologist and I am going to take him into see her to see if she can help him overcome this fear.   Even though this boy that bullied Austin last year is gone from the school, he left scars!  Poor Austin!

When I spoke to Austin, another day during the past week, he told me about a girl this time, who took both of his tennis balls and smashed them against the wall.  I can't believe this poor child is such a target!  What possesses these children to go after Austin?  He is so non-confrontational, it is very scary to me!  He wants to stay out of trouble as much as possible but this is crazy!  He did tell the noon hour supervisor and she dealt with the situation.  I contacted Austin's teacher to let him know what happened.  I don't want a repeat of last year and the years before and Austin shouldn't have to endure this treatment.  I am praying that no one will bother him and bringing him in for some help with give him some tools to deal with situations that arise.  I long for the day that there will be no more bullying stories to blog about and Austin would have a few friends to play with at school.

I am so PROUD of Austin and I will not stop fighting to help him and protect him with all my might! I am determined to get him tools to protect himself too, enough is enough!

All the best! *HUGS*

Monday, September 7, 2015

Queen, AC/DC, Rival Sons, Ike & Tina and the List Goes On

We bought an iPod shuffle for Austin for his Birthday this summer.  He LOVES music!  All kinds of music, a lot like me.  My Dad was always playing all kinds of music as I grew up and I loved it!  (Okay, not Willie Nelson, sorry Dad.)  Austin has the same love of music! I think it is great!

He loaded his iPod the other day and played it in my truck.  I dropped him off at school and let it continue to play.  Ike & Tina, Rival Sons, AC/DC and Queen (Austin's favourite) all playing in the truck.  AWESOME!  He also likes The Who, Aretha Franklin, Elvis and various new artists, except Justin Bieber, he is not a fan.  I am so happy to see Austin loving music so much and he is always open to listen to new things I play for him.  He has no problem saying what he likes and what he doesn't.  Austin smiling and singing along to the music, without a care in the world, it is a beautiful sight to see! :)

All the best!  *HUGS*

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Teacher Touchdown!

Austin's first day of school went very well!  YAY!  He really likes his teacher!  I am so relieved!  I have spoken to the teacher and he seems very nice!  I have been told he is very structured and mathematical.  I told this to Austin and he said he thought that the teacher was a great match for him! I am hoping all will go well and Austin seems to be adjusting easily!  YIPPEE!!!

All the best! *HUGS*