I attempted to go back to sleep but I was up at this point. Owen had a lot on his mind that he wanted to share. I asked him again if he wanted to go to the movie this morning and he told me “No just grandma’s.” I knew if I pushed it he wouldn’t have fun.
I fixed his breakfast and he asked me about what the week ahead would be like. He has Tuesday off. This has started him talking about his old school again. Every time he has a day off he needs to confirm he is going to still be in middle school. I assured him he would still be in middle school and have the same teacher.
He has been biting his finger a lot more when he is upset. I am trying to redirect him to counting and being calmer by breathing through these moments but so far his finger has become his go-to when he is stimming or trying to regulate his emotions. He is also twisting his hair in the same place. This is causing him to create a bald spot. My heart aches for my sweet baby O. This has become a newer habit. I was hoping that the headphones would help stop this process but he loves them forward and still twists his hair. It brings him comfort but I’m not sure if I should cut his hair a lot shorter until he can get through this phase.
I took him to his grandma’s and he wanted it to be his turn on the way we drove on the way there. I reminded him that meant it was my turn on the way home. He stayed with her for several hours and then I went to pick him up. On the way home I reminded him that it was my turn. This did not prevent him from still getting very upset and screaming at me for turning on a street he didn’t want to go.
When we got home he stood outside the car and kept screaming at me before he would walk in the door. People were getting out of their car down the street. They kept staring at Owen and this only made it worse for him. They parked where he didn’t want them to park and he was already having a meltdown. I told him to breathe and told him he had to calm down so he could have his tablet when we went inside. Sometimes talking to him about things he wants will help move him forward. The people finally walked away from their car and I finally got him inside. Later on, he told me he was sorry for screaming at me and being mean. He is making so many new connections and I can tell he is maturing.
He was calmer for the rest of the night, occasionally bringing up the fact that he had screamed at me but was ready for church tomorrow. He started talking about having his friend take him on the elevator to his classroom. Sleep came fast and I pray he sleeps all night. I’m thankful for his connections today and his laughter that filled the air. Keep moving forward. Let laughter heal your heart and the sunshine soothe your soul. Smiles to all and donut daze!