As a parents of a child, whether with 'special needs' or not, it is good to have a support system. Living so far from family, my system is at times smaller than I would like. But.i think that is where the internet comes into play.
Before I go on, you should know, I do have some friends that understand Ruth, and I just have to say, it is wonderful, just wonderful. My friend, Meg, for instance, will always find a way to help me to relax and see Ruth's unique talent for being open to saying what is on her mind. Meg is the one that bought a the cat rock the other day. She has a son that has dealt with anxiety as well, and Meg just always seems to be able to go with the flow. I know she has moments, and that is what helps. I met Meg when I was working in the worst job I have ever had. Each day, I think she came in just to help me to get through the day with one smiling face. It was horrible. Meg pointed me in the direction of my current work locale, and I can not thank her enough.
In any case, I think I had a point.
Oh, yah, support systems.
I have been reading some blogs for almost as long as I have known about blogging. These ladies just have no idea how much their lives have touched mine. For instance, Michelle offered to buy one of Ruth's Rocks. We prayed for her daughter Riley as they were raising funds for a service dog. I wish it could have been more, but I know that it was what we could do, so we did. Then, Michelle wrote about a new place for parents to gather. It is called Hopeful Parents, and you know it has been great to visit there. If you happen onto my blog, please, go check it out. You will not be sorry to have them as a part of your support system. The things that are talked about range from food issues to Autism to Sleep apnea, and the list goes on.
Little things to those on the outside, your know "behavior issues" ... the parents know just how hard it is to seperate an 8 year old's attitude from her sensory issies or anxiety. Find a support, whether from your mother who reads as many books as you do {Thank you, Mom} to the local pal who helps you laugh to the person you may never meet in person that helps with achieving a goal in whatever manner they can, you will not regret it.
Finding Her Way
Ruth loved camp. It was the best time, and I am so thankful. I found it was truly good for me as well. RESPITE is the word I heard as I described the way I felt. It was three days of not worrying about what was going to happen next. I sat and read books, enjoyed some down time. What a blessing. :)
Now, today, we went to the library for the rock painting activity. She needed me to stay close by. I should have realized that would be the way when she came out of her room dressed in her yoga pants with a flannel shirt covering a tank top. This outfit does not match, but it is her favorite. I have a feeling it is a comfort measure, as the temperature was 90 degrees. She insisted, and I let her wear it. I knew that it was not worth fighting over. Good choice. We got the library, where Ruth grabbed my hand. Last time, she ran downstairs without a second glance. I sat nearby as she painted her rocks. Everyone was shown how to make a lady bug. Ruth made two.
Then, she made a cat and one with a heart. They were adorable. Imagine my surprise when she asked me if I thought she could sell them. 50 cents for the small ones, and a dollar for the larger ones. I said I thought so, and she tried it out on my pal, Meg. When asked what she is going to do with the funds, Ruth eagerly replied "I am going to put it toward my Camp Wightman fund."
See, when we let go, sometimes our kids can find their own way...
Now, today, we went to the library for the rock painting activity. She needed me to stay close by. I should have realized that would be the way when she came out of her room dressed in her yoga pants with a flannel shirt covering a tank top. This outfit does not match, but it is her favorite. I have a feeling it is a comfort measure, as the temperature was 90 degrees. She insisted, and I let her wear it. I knew that it was not worth fighting over. Good choice. We got the library, where Ruth grabbed my hand. Last time, she ran downstairs without a second glance. I sat nearby as she painted her rocks. Everyone was shown how to make a lady bug. Ruth made two.
Then, she made a cat and one with a heart. They were adorable. Imagine my surprise when she asked me if I thought she could sell them. 50 cents for the small ones, and a dollar for the larger ones. I said I thought so, and she tried it out on my pal, Meg. When asked what she is going to do with the funds, Ruth eagerly replied "I am going to put it toward my Camp Wightman fund."
See, when we let go, sometimes our kids can find their own way...
Going Out into the World
One thing that can be said of our Sensory Seeking Kids: they want to experience everything. Touching helps them to understand things they have not experienced, or experienced to its fullest. Investigating and moving can make many of us tired after only a few minutes, but it is not enough for them. At home, it is workable. We automatically convert our living space to meet the needs of our families. But out in the world…. It can be a task and a half to meet their needs.
Ruth is at her first "sleeping over camp". There is a Baptist camp that is less than 10 miles from our home. It helps to know that if there is a need, we can be there in no time. :) That said, I must say that the one thing about leaving her somewhere is in trying to explain her behaviors and how to best suit the need, either for out put or for retreat. The same situation can present different outcomes.
My mother suggested I write a letter to explain how to best handle her needs. I thought about it, but it caused me great anxiety. How can I possibly explain what to try in all circumstances? I can hope that I have prepared her to follow the rules, and to navigate her needs within the boundaries. I can only ask that the leaders be sensitive and understand that she is not always trying to misbehave, though sometimes she does. :)
My comfort level was met when I registered her, though the counselor did not know anything about SPD or anxiety. He seemed to be open to understanding, and well, it helped that there is a woman in one of the other sessions that jumped in to offer her aid. (She is a paraprofessional and knew what to ask.)
It is hard to let my girl go out into the world. It may be that she is out there on her own, and is just 8 years old. Or it may be that she has to get through a new experience on her own. But, I have to admit, I have a feeling of comfort in letting her go. I feel the foundation is laid, and she has to begin to build her own life...
Ruth is at her first "sleeping over camp". There is a Baptist camp that is less than 10 miles from our home. It helps to know that if there is a need, we can be there in no time. :) That said, I must say that the one thing about leaving her somewhere is in trying to explain her behaviors and how to best suit the need, either for out put or for retreat. The same situation can present different outcomes.
My mother suggested I write a letter to explain how to best handle her needs. I thought about it, but it caused me great anxiety. How can I possibly explain what to try in all circumstances? I can hope that I have prepared her to follow the rules, and to navigate her needs within the boundaries. I can only ask that the leaders be sensitive and understand that she is not always trying to misbehave, though sometimes she does. :)
My comfort level was met when I registered her, though the counselor did not know anything about SPD or anxiety. He seemed to be open to understanding, and well, it helped that there is a woman in one of the other sessions that jumped in to offer her aid. (She is a paraprofessional and knew what to ask.)
It is hard to let my girl go out into the world. It may be that she is out there on her own, and is just 8 years old. Or it may be that she has to get through a new experience on her own. But, I have to admit, I have a feeling of comfort in letting her go. I feel the foundation is laid, and she has to begin to build her own life...
This is the summer of:
- Learning to ride a bike
- Cleaning out a bedroom to be comfortable and have a place to play
- Fishing-- putting worms on hooks, and pulling fish off of them
- Being able to cook simple foods
- Swimming both above and below the surface of water
- Going to overnight camp for the first time
- Camping in the yard with friends
- Remembering to handle small animals with care
- Playing ball with the dog
- Wearing a plastic shopping bag as underwear to meet the "keep your bottom covered" rule
- Discovering that spaghetti strap bras are good under tank tops
- Reading 10 chapter books before vacation is half over
There are so many things that are important to our sensory kids. Being able to be in an environment that is comfortable is high on the list. When our kids are feeling safe and comfortable, they seem to be able to be more focused, and better to interpret the world around them. The willingness to try new things with out melting down is stronger. It makes one wonder how to give them this feeling all year long...
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