It's a tricky thing.

Raising C-Dog is just plain tricky. Figuring how help him overcome things with out the direct approach. Sometimes the direct approach is needed, we use it when we need to. I have found a few tricks that work though when it is not. I wonder when he will catch on to my little scheming. How long can you trick the trickster? As long as I can....
I found something he loves, and lucky for me some thing I like too.

Games, card or board. When I need to discuss stuff with him I invite him to play. We usually play 2 to 3 times a week. We talk about school, grades, friends, and church. He opens up and tells me all sorts of things.It keeps the peace in more than one way. He gets to get some things off his chest, and so do I. He is occupied so he has no interest in teasing his siblings. In fact he invited Little H to join us today and he coached her through the game and got her snacks. It always diffuses hard feeling and he feels like a king when he kicks my hiney.
The second method I have found I don't like as much. It is a must in everyday life and mainly my job for now, so I make it work for me. He on the other hand loves it, and I am glad he does. He loves to cook and bake.

 He is very good at it and he gets to be in control. I am sure a reason he likes it. So today as he was mixing up brownies and I was just chillin with him in the kitchen he started to share some dreams. it was really to cute." Hey Mom, when I get married I want to go sky diving with my wife." Me, "really?" " Yeah Mom, my wife is supposed to be my best  friend and I want to go with my best friend. Imagine us just chillin in the air as we jump out of the plane."
Really I hope he does not catch on to my little trick, and if he does I hope he learns to look forward to this time with me as much as I do with him.