Homework

I had my parent only therapy session.  I have homework.  I am suppose to put on my positive glasses and compliment every positive thing I see.  I am to use the when___then___ and stretch it out.  When the little man wants something I am to say "when I am done with dishes, then I will get your milk" kind of thing.  And then start stretching it so he has to wait longer for gratification.  And the therapist appreciates how hard that is and the eggshells we walk on.  The last one is to stop negative behavior (not escalated, just normal) by pointing out that we don't hit, kick, etc to communicate with each other.  Over and over and over and over. 
We did have a big breakthrough and both the therapist and the home specialist were amazed.  The little man was frustrated with his game and starting kicking...me since I was in proximity.  So after a few requests for him to stop and he didn't, I got up and left the room telling him why.  About ten minutes later he came and asked for help.  I went back to the living room and he told me he was lonely and sad and would I sit with him.  He has never voiced an emotion to me.  So he is learning to do so and felt safe enough to do so. 
Feels like the calm before the storm.  However we have a plan in place.  If he escalates more we will move him to level 4 services with Catholic Community Services.  The positive is we won't have to wait long if we are transferring with a recommendation from the Childrens' Center. 
Reminding myself to breathe.