Social Pastimes 101

 Engaging with James outside of school, chores, or self care has always been a bit of a challenge. When he was very small, we were able to do Music Together, reading together, swim time at the pool, or explore parks and beaches. He loved playing with his sister, although she was the leader, he had a blast following along with her.

As he's gotten older and I've been back at work full time while single parenting, it's gotten harder and harder to just spend time with him. We both love our screens too much and the last few years have left us both stressed out and exhausted. He is also 17 and ready to meet other kids, although his behaviours and eloping are a challenge for this.

Sometimes we can engage in cooking or brief letter writing. Often we bond over car rides or music we like to listen to. Whenever I make photo books for our year, I make a copy for James, as he enjoys looking through them.

The ABA folks are having much better luck connecting socially and recreationally with James in their afternoon sessions. I have reassessed my stock of social activities in our new place and have bolstered reading and our board games with cards and more social games:

• Uno emoji
• Smack It
• Guess in 10
• Conversational "Uno" cards from the ABA office
• Mario Kart Uno (not shown)
• Matilda, by Roald Dahl