When my first baby was born I didn't know what was in store for me. One thing I thought would be for certain would be all those "cuddle times" that I saw in magazines and commercials. Instead I had a child that had no fear, hugged so tightly it hurt and wouldn't let you touch her hair without a struggle. (For whatever reason she wasn't snuggly with me, but she was, and still is, with my mom - her grandmother. I'm so grateful.)
I soon came to learn about sensory issues and various syndromes that cause some to process life very intensely. What a fantastic eye-opener! Over the years I have learned so much about how people "deal" and it's helped me to empathize with a stressed out mom trying to control a screaming child at the grocery store, or a dad trying to cope with a tantrum throwing toddler. I hope they hear my mind calling to them, 'Patience. Patience. Try to keep your cool. If people stare, let them stare! Keep your cool.'
We are in year 13 with my beautiful daughter and it's incredible how she manages herself now. Things still get to her, they get to us all don't they? However, she has acquired tools, stored them in her tool box, and has learned to take them out when needed - more often than not. A family member that missed out on the last 3 years of Katie's life spent time with her recently and said to me, "You did this. You and Rob have made her the beautiful girl she is today." Well, yes we have, but so have her family and the fantastic teachers at her school. (Are you thinking "It Takes A Village"? I am.)
And slowly but surely I'm starting to get my "cuddle time". My oldest daughter actually held my hand the other day.
I soon came to learn about sensory issues and various syndromes that cause some to process life very intensely. What a fantastic eye-opener! Over the years I have learned so much about how people "deal" and it's helped me to empathize with a stressed out mom trying to control a screaming child at the grocery store, or a dad trying to cope with a tantrum throwing toddler. I hope they hear my mind calling to them, 'Patience. Patience. Try to keep your cool. If people stare, let them stare! Keep your cool.'
We are in year 13 with my beautiful daughter and it's incredible how she manages herself now. Things still get to her, they get to us all don't they? However, she has acquired tools, stored them in her tool box, and has learned to take them out when needed - more often than not. A family member that missed out on the last 3 years of Katie's life spent time with her recently and said to me, "You did this. You and Rob have made her the beautiful girl she is today." Well, yes we have, but so have her family and the fantastic teachers at her school. (Are you thinking "It Takes A Village"? I am.)
And slowly but surely I'm starting to get my "cuddle time". My oldest daughter actually held my hand the other day.