It was a pretty calm morning for Owen. He has been easing back into his routine after the holiday and he was excited about his day ahead. He loves his Thursdays. Since I told him about the Christmas event on Saturday he keeps talking about going to all the activities. He got it in his head that it’s a carnival I think because of the game he was playing when I told him about it and now he wants to go to a carnival. He seems much happier to be doing things now. It is like he is starting to understand there are more activities he might want to do. Not sure if that’s it but just seems like it isn’t as stressful to him. I’m trying to not push too many boundaries at once but still pushing for him to expand his adventures. Routine is very important to him and I wish everything could be routine but it is also important for him to learn that sometimes we have to be flexible and not everything goes according to plan. When I picked him up after school he wanted to come home to get a snack before his therapy. I did not drive the way he expected. This led to a huge meltdown and many emotions from both of us. His expectations of what he wants to happen and what happens cause the majority of his meltdowns. I know part of this is communication and that is something we are working on. He wouldn’t get out of the car when we got home. He pulled my hair and screamed at me because I didn’t drive straight and instead turned right earlier than he wanted me to. I finally got him in the house after I told him he wouldn’t be able to go to the activities on Saturday if he did that again on the way to therapy. I told him that he can’t yell at people for not doing what he expects. He did much better getting there and apologized saying “Do you understand me that’s a great idea.” He wanted to go to the statue and Burger Boy afterward because he loves to look at them. I explained to him that he had to behave or he wouldn’t be able to go on Saturday. I reminded him to breathe when he was feeling stressed. I reminded myself of this as well. He didn’t scream and only tried to tell me a couple of directions until I reminded him about the activities. I talked to his therapists about behaviors and communication skills. Progress is being made but I want to make sure he has these tools for the teenage years. I told them I want to make sure he understands that he has to answer questions and he has to ask questions so that his voice is heard and he is part of the decision-making process. He’s very excited about his Saturday with his grandma. He wants to drive by the fire hydrants and a particular brick house that has a pool with no water but he told me he is going after the activities. I keep thinking about him telling me he wants to eat dinner with Santa. I am so glad he likes all of the activities and he is making so many connections. He’s ready for snow so he can wear his snow boots and overalls. I can’t wait to see what he thinks of them and if he likes snow as much as his newfound love for rain. A miracle happens when it’s supposed to and my miracle is happening now. Change is the chance for a new experience. We each grow and change in our own time. Always remember you can do it. Smiles to all and donut daze!
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