Friend describes Cruz's adoptive mother unwillingness to see his flaws "She appeared not able to handle those very well," the counselor said. ![]() She was reluctant to discipline the boys, the counselor said, because she was "somewhat fearful of them." When she tried setting boundaries and enforcing rules, Cruz threw tantrums. She didn't follow through on any of them, he said. He remembers making the same recommendations to her as the year went on: respite care, in-home therapy, parenting classes. Lynda Cruz seemed overwhelmed and burned out, Newnham said. "I got the impression that she did not utilize the supports that were offered to her," the counselor said. He was defiant and temperamental, Newnham said. In meetings with Newnham, Cruz's adoptive mother Lynda Cruz said she felt frustrated and alone because of her son's behavior. " 'I'm just stupid,' " the counselor said Cruz sometimes told him. There was tension in his actions and visible distress on his face, the counselor said.Ĭruz told Newnham that he felt different from his peers as though he was somehow less-than, and they judged him for it. He'd erase and re-write, and erase and re-write some more until he'd broken the pencil or crumpled the worksheet. When he was responsive, he'd answer questions uncertainly, then look at Newnham as if to ask: Was that the right thing to say?Įlementary-aged Cruz was somewhat of a perfectionist, Newnham said. Cruz often sat quietly by himself, refusing to participate with the others, Newnham said. Group counseling sessions proved more difficult. ![]() They spoke as they played checkers, and Cruz eventually began to look him in the eye. It took longer than with most students, he said. He avoided eye contact.ĭuring individual sessions with Cruz, Newnham worked to gain the boy's trust. He shrunk away from contact and clung to an adult who showed him around Coral Springs Elementary on his first day there. John Newnham, a former counselor for Broward County Public Schools, said Cruz was a "shy, somewhat fearful student" in kindergarten. Counseling started early for Nikolas Cruz Now, Nikolas Cruz's attorneys must work to save his life. 'Disturbing on a number of levels': Jurors tour preserved crime scene at Stoneman Douglas HighĪnything but 'normal': Lives of Parkland victims' families marked by absence, anguish, sorrow
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |