A little growth and independence

A few years ago TM bought some tablets for his younger siblings. H. has used hers the most and it has been a good substitute for a phone. She has been able to play music and watch drawing videos and whatnot. She has enjoyed using it.

She has enjoyed using it until a couple of weeks ago, that is. As these things will, Minecraft has come around again as the popular screen activity for some of her siblings. This time, though, H. has been aware of it, asking J. to get her some library books about Minecraft. She was also interested in getting it put on her tablet. J. explained that he wasn't sure it would be compatible, but wouldn't know until he tried. H. was willing to take a chance and pay to buy it. Sadly, as J. feared, it didn't work. H. was disappointed. 

For a couple of years, H. has been earning money by doing some daily jobs around the house. (One of those jobs is to fix R. breakfast, which is an immense help.) She doesn't spend it on very much, so just saves it. This meant that she was able to buy herself a new tablet which would support Minecraft. She is thrilled. H. has also passed down her old tablet to R., who likes to watch (with H.'s help), Pokemon videos on it. 

H. was pretty pleased about the whole thing... purchasing something with her own money, having Minecraft, and being able to pass something she was done with to a younger family member. These are things she has watched other siblings do over and over, but this is the first time to do a typical older sibling thing involving much covered electronics.

I'm thrilled because she was able to express a desire and work with J. towards a solution. There were years where the best she could do was throw toys and mumble because she didn't feel safe enough and didn't have the self awareness to do anything different. This is a huge win for everyone.