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Even though her beauty was unrivaled by most, her kindness and strength added a layer that wrapped around my heart and made my breath catch. And that scared the crap out of me.
Zoey’s sobs quieted, and her tears slowed down. I wiped at her face until she giggled and grabbed the tissues from me. “I can do it myself, Daddy.”
“Is there anything else I should know?” I met Wren’s eyes.
She looked at Zoey, who’d lifted her head from my shoulder, with a tender expression. “There are days you don’t want to play with your friends and sometimes are quick to get angry with them.”
Zoey opened her mouth and then shut it before nodding.
Wren continued. “We all have bad days. And in this classroom, I encourage you to find time for yourself when you need it and to express your feelings when someone makes you mad. It helps us learn about our needs and how to communicate with friends. What spot can you go to when you feel this way?”
Zoey smiled and pointed to a tent that had various textured, bright-colored pillows inside. “I really like the cozy corner. It gives me time to think without everyone right in front of me.”
I noted the items I needed to recreate this space in our house.
“Do you think she’s pulling away from her friends?” I asked.
“No, not all of the time. We’ve been working on helping Zoey find ways to regulate herself. I wanted to let you know I noticed it and wanted us to address it sooner rather than later. Zoey and I have been working on counting to ten before responding when someone makes us mad.”
I remembered a night not too long ago when Zoey cut herself off from responding to me and mouthed something. She must have been counting.
“I can already see that Zoey is taking it to heart and has used it at home.”
“I really have, Ms. Winter.” Zoey looked overjoyed by my praise.
“I’d like to have additional steps moving forward though, so I can let your dad know if things change. What do you think would help you, Zoey?” Wren propped her arms on the table and scooted closer to us.
“Sometimes it’s hard for me to tell you I need time alone. My throat gets tight, and I don’t want to cry in front of everyone.”
“I can understand that.” A thoughtful look settled on Wren’s face. “What if we had a secret sign?”
My daughter nodded enthusiastically.
“What do you think about this?” Wren tapped the end of her nose twice with the tip of her finger. “And then, when you go to the cozy corner, I’ll understand what’s happening.”
Zoey flashed a lopsided grin. “I love that.”
“And we must remember only to use it when we need it.”
“Yes, Ms. Winter.”
I jumped in. “I think that sounds like a great idea, kiddo. And it sounds like counting is helping you when you’re feeling angry.”
“Most of the time, Daddy. Sometimes I’m too mad for it to work.”
I rubbed her back. “As long as you try. And don’t forget, you can always ask us for help.”
“I know.”
“I’m proud of you, Zo. Even some adults struggle with getting mad.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” She sagged into my side.
I put my arm around her shoulder and looked down at her. “I’d also like to talk about your schoolwork.”
Zoey frowned but didn’t protest the change in subject.
“I let you go to your room and finish your homework independently, expecting you’ll come to me if you have questions. But I think we should sit down and do it together for a while. That way, if you’re struggling, I can help.” My sweet girl hadn’t lied to me before, so I never suspected she hadn’t finished her school work like she said.