It must really be something John wants, to tolerate this.   And he does want it.

First meeting, 2nd year, 3rd grade boys, Cub Scouts.

Fully participated in all the team games.

What must that battle be like in his head:  to have joy override sensory defensiveness, building neural pathways to make it increasingly OK?

This stuff stayed on that face all the way home in the car, and up the stairs to bed after playing after he got home.

No facial claw marks proving, “OK, I endured it all and now I want this junk off!”

None of that in the 20-minute care ride home plus home time.

So, never give up on stretching our children past the comfort zones.

New neural pathways are the trophies of interventions.

And let’s not forget intrinsic motivation, right?

What does your child WANT to do?

I ask John all the time.   It’s a good conversation, no matter how the expressive speech goes.

(I also share this shortcut with you—his badges are stapled on.    And they haven’t fallen off yet.)

Best,

Gayle