waiting for the tides to change

[purgatory]

The only thing that pops up in my head about D2 and her leg thing- is that she might be trying to get attention in some way. She knows that if she's injured, her dad will give all his focus to her- kids learn this WAY too early!!

I used to see it all the time in my classroom... a kid would complain about a tummy ache, or a headache and 'need to go to the nurses office'. Sure enough, they would whine enough, and mommy or daddy would come get them. As soon as they get home- they are fine. I can't tell you how many times I would have an angry parent coming to me saying that if their kid complains any more, just ignore it because they couldn't afford to get off work anymore.... when I asked if anything has changed at home, I usually got the same response: 'we are going though a divorce'.

Kids pick up on the stress, but they don't have the vocabulary to express what they are feeling or to ask questions. They DO know that if they are sick, or act out- they WILL get attention in some form or another- especially if parents are fighting- they will do this as a distraction to stop the yelling. If she really didn't hurt her leg, when she starts to do it again, don't coddle- but distract with another activity (she likes music and dancing?) but make sure that in that distraction- she gets complete attention... eventually, she will learn to associate the attention that she's craving with a fun activity, not playing sick.

(Ok, more than you needed probably, sorry)