Friday, July 27, 2007

ANGER MANAGEMENT

Whew!!! Kierra has been giving me a run for my money that last week. I'm not exactly sure what is going on with her, but to sum up in one word: Tantrumrama!

Every little thing seems to set her off lately. She spied a favorite shirt of hers in the laundry pile and when I wouldn't give it to her, she followed me around the house for about 4 hours screaming and pitching fits. When working with her therapist, she's being extremely rigid and doesn't want to do the task asked of her. Every time she gets upset, she's either screaming or crying. It gets to the point I just want to cancel her therapist for the day just to get some piece and quiet. I can see how hard she is pushing her, and how frustrated Kierra is becoming. Maybe it's hard for us to remind ourselves how little she still is. Maybe we've been so hell-bent on getting this kid on a roll; we focus more on the autism than the child. If I need a vacation from it all, I think maybe Kierra needs a vacation for it all as well.

So me and the man have made an executive decision to go to my mom's for a week in August. All we are going to do is sit poolside and relax. I think it would be great for Kierra (and for me!). Thinking logically, this kid works longer and harder than most adults. Until school vacation, she was doing therapy all morning, having 1/2 hour lunch, and then going to school for therapy all afternoon. She's been doing this since she was three years old (she just turned five). Although she has made great advances by leaps and bounds, part of me is scared of her suffering a therapy burn-out. So hopefully our little get-away will do her some good.

Today I've decided we are doing therapy at the Zoo. Social outings actually are a part of her therapy, but in a way, it's not really work. It's fun - which I think she could use. After that, I'm putting out the kiddie pool, and we are just going to sit in the sun and mellow.

For me, I've pretty much hit stress toleration points. It's those moments in your mommy hood where you honestly say if you don't get away from your kid, you are going to put her in the drop box for the homeless at the grocery store. I've usually prided myself on my ability to tough it out through some miserable times. But when it's every single day for a week - after a while your cool starts to shake loose. Last night I declared shopping night, and ditched the kids with hubby. In hindsight it was a good trip: I bought two gowns and two bathing suits for upcoming occasions. I just hope the next day brings a happier Kierra.

11 comments:

Maddy said...

It can be very hard [just having another person {therapist}] around can be a challenge. My boys were having 13 hours of private therapy a week until the summer holiday - it takes it's toll.
So glad [envious] that you're able to take a break.
Cheers

Anonymous said...

Every parent needs time away from the kids. Hell, I applaud your patience everyday Elle.

Sounds like a well deserved break for
Kierra

Janis said...

Maybe Duncan could make a house call?? Sometimes all you need to make you feel better is a little Duncan Hinds!! lmao

I hope your outing at the zoo went well and that you get a break on your holiday. You are a great Mommy and Kierra knows that too!

;)

Anonymous said...

Moms never get a vacation, we're on 24/7, and I think anyone who claims to never get burnt out is full of it!

Good for you for escaping through your own therapy, shopping. And I hope your vacation recharges your Mama batteries! And recharges your sweet girl's as well.

Noemi said...

I sometimes want to run away and never come back (at least for 2-3 hours). I have been a Mom enough years to be able to say this without no remorse..

Hope the Zoo therapy goes well. She really needs a break.. And I think that you are right, on focusing on her...

Em said...

We had so many of these times when Son17 was younger. Thankfully, I don't want to sell him on Craig's List quite so often now. But absolutely, show...sit by the pool...do whatever you can to nurture yourself!

tulipmom said...

Going to your parents sounds like it will be good for everyone. Nothing like some lovin' from the grandparents to make a kid feel a little more centered. Not to mention give you a break.

Hope the zoo was a good change of pace today.

Maria said...

I love the way you wrangle through all these decisions in such a logical way. You sort of step away from the emotional side of it and look at it with a clarity that works. I wish more parents could do that. I wish that I could do that more....

I think you know your child better than anyone and are spot on about what she needs.

Anonymous said...

I think you definitely deserved the shopping trip, and some poolside time won't hurt either! I would imagine that she could get just as sick of therapy as we could of working or doing anything else all day every day. Hopefully some down time makes it much better!

All 4 My Gals said...

Hi, I found you through themomblogs. I have a daughter who has Down syndrome, so I know a bit about therapies too. :) I agree that occassional breaks are necessary. We usually take summers off and honestly I see her make great strides during those periods. I know the disabilities are different, but sometimes you just have to live you know?
HUGS and I've enjoyed peeking around your blog!

Anonymous said...

I'm hoping that you have a better day today!

xoxo