1. I got 3 comments on different days from completely different people about how hilarious he is when he talks to other kids, and how inclusive and kind. I have known this about my son, but his boldness has increased and he has the courage to speak to others and be himself far more often than he ever did before! He knows his voice is valuable and he's using it again.
2. One of his friends spent the night. In the morning they awoke really early on their own to walk our dog (he was very proud to showcase his independence). His friend grabbed a flier for a home for sale on our street to bring to his parents. They were making plans to figure out how he can also attend our "unschool" and they couldn't figure out the transportation so moving was the next possibility. That means our boy went from reluctant unschooler to ambassador and recruiter of unschooling. I know parents will want to tell me "well of course, any kid would love to stop going to school"... right, and why is this an acceptable thing to force kids to do for 8+ hours everyday. Just because you're miserable at work doesn't mean it's necessary or OK. Be brave. Do less.
3. He has stopped insulting himself so much and comparing his abilities to his brothers. I used to always hear him tell me how much he sucked at spelling, reading, writing, and art. He will still throw that information out there, but now he accompanies it with "but I'm great at soccer".
