Peer Pressure

Last weekend was our Special Olympics' back-to-riding barbeque. When it was time for the kids' little meeting, Rand was adamant that he wanted to participate. He was by far the youngest kid there, and it was so cute to watch him emulate what the bigger kids were doing. He sat quietly and watched a video on horse safety. He raised his hand at every question (even though he didn't know the answers).

When Amy asked, "Okay, who needs a helmet?" Rand said, "I do! I need a helmet!" When Amy asked, "Who needs boots?" Rand: "I need boots!!!" After four of these questions, I took Rand aside and said that the helmets and boots were only for the kids who were going to ride horses. I asked him if he wanted to start riding, and he said, "Maybe tomorrow." After the meeting, all of the kids went out into the garage to clean tack, and Rand followed right along. He watched and paid attention, and it was so neat seeing him positively influenced by peer pressure.

Rand also started karate lessons this week. He actually participated in his first two classes, which was fantastic considering how swimming lessons started out. The hardest thing for him is waiting his turn when it's time to do something individually -- he actually jumps up and down in place while he's waiting.