The time prior to vacation has always been challenging for Daughter. She needs structure, and finds the unstructured time of vacation challenging. This year when I started seeing the pre-vacation acting out, I sought to change the pattern. I suggested she make a list of the things she wants to do and the camp food she wants me to make while we're on vacation.
She has embraced the challenge. I just got of the phone with her, and she was frustrated because she hadn't been able to do an internet search yesterday. I reminded her I have some tourist information here at home, and suggested she take that back to the house iwth her tomorrow. She jumped all over that idea. She's excited. I think it helps that we're going back to the same state park-- it removes some of the stress from it for her. I also think she's looking forward to extended time with me. She appreciates me more now that she doesn't live with me all the time.
The growth I see in her is pretty amazing. She asked if she coud go spend a couple of days with friends it Tiny Village. I told her that the fact she still wasn't trustworthy around food was an issue, and reminded her she'd taken a banana one night when she was here recently. She said, "Point taken." She dropped the request.
She is working on a list of the things she needs to pack and getting them ready. I have to say, I'm impressed and pleased. Now I need to get on with my list. She may actually be ahead of me.
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