Serena, this is such a valuable post for all parents, especially those whose kids have specific challenges. I applaud your willingness to learn, and your extraordinary level of patience.
Love this comment. A parent climbing into bed and hugging their child is the epitome of love expressed out loud. It there’s one thing that needs expressed out loud to kiddos, it’s this deepest level of love. But it takes self-awareness of its existence.
Kathy, so well said - it takes self-awareness to tap into that deep level of love when our children are behaving in ways that feel so difficult. Lately, I've even said to my teens in a gentle way, "You're a bit like a porcupine right now!" It takes courage to hug a porcupine, but it often helps them take their quills down and breathe. Thanks for your comment!
"Immediately afterwards, nothing seemed to change. She stayed in bed and I returned to work. But we had strengthened our connection. Although she couldn’t articulate her pain, I understood her better. And she knew I cared."
I appreciate this post. As much as I love summer with my kids, every year I have to remind myself how hard it is for my daughter to break from her routine. I intentionally plan for it by reducing my own work schedule to bare minimum so that I can have more space to breathe during the times I know she will need more support. Now that she is 13, I’m investing in caregiver support so that it’s not all on me. I know our situations are different but a commonality is the contrast between the bliss that summer is supposed to be and what the reality is like for those with special needs.
YES Emily - I love how you phrased this - "the contrast between the bliss that summer is supposed to be and what the reality is like for those with special needs." You captured it so well.
I like how you plan ahead with reducing your work schedule to give yourself breathing room. And so wise to invest in caregiver support! I hope that goes well - let me know what you learn from it!
Serena, this is such a valuable post for all parents, especially those whose kids have specific challenges. I applaud your willingness to learn, and your extraordinary level of patience.
Aww thanks so much, Larry! Your comment is so encouraging!
Love this comment. A parent climbing into bed and hugging their child is the epitome of love expressed out loud. It there’s one thing that needs expressed out loud to kiddos, it’s this deepest level of love. But it takes self-awareness of its existence.
Kathy, so well said - it takes self-awareness to tap into that deep level of love when our children are behaving in ways that feel so difficult. Lately, I've even said to my teens in a gentle way, "You're a bit like a porcupine right now!" It takes courage to hug a porcupine, but it often helps them take their quills down and breathe. Thanks for your comment!
"Immediately afterwards, nothing seemed to change. She stayed in bed and I returned to work. But we had strengthened our connection. Although she couldn’t articulate her pain, I understood her better. And she knew I cared."
This is so good. Thank you for these thoughts.
Thanks, Rachel! Grateful for you!
I appreciate this post. As much as I love summer with my kids, every year I have to remind myself how hard it is for my daughter to break from her routine. I intentionally plan for it by reducing my own work schedule to bare minimum so that I can have more space to breathe during the times I know she will need more support. Now that she is 13, I’m investing in caregiver support so that it’s not all on me. I know our situations are different but a commonality is the contrast between the bliss that summer is supposed to be and what the reality is like for those with special needs.
YES Emily - I love how you phrased this - "the contrast between the bliss that summer is supposed to be and what the reality is like for those with special needs." You captured it so well.
I like how you plan ahead with reducing your work schedule to give yourself breathing room. And so wise to invest in caregiver support! I hope that goes well - let me know what you learn from it!