So, for those who know my family, know that Bullfrog can be ... trying. We love him to death but his sensitivity to tones, fabrics, textures, and most importantly CHANGE, can lead to a melt down out of the blue. These meltdowns can last a couple minutes, or half an hour. He never means the things he says during the outbursts and he struggles with the reality of how hurtful they can be. So, we have been very diligent in helping him through his sensitivity. We give him warnings on when plans will change, when time is nearing for an activity change, or if there is going to be a break in routine. We also listen when he says clothing is uncomfortable, sheets are itchy, and the food doesn't taste right. The outbursts are becoming fewer .... notice I did not say they were gone.
Okay ... so the pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks ...
While in therapy, we were once asked whether we were being a popsicle stick or a pipe cleaner. Of course, we stared at our therapist having absolutely no idea what she was talking about.
A popsicle stick is rigid and when someone attempts to change it, it breaks. HOWEVER, a pipe cleaner is able to bend and conform to what is needed. Both are needed, but reacting to situations require the need to be flexible and consider compromise.
Tonight, Bullfrog requested that his dad wash his hair. I REALLY needed Jer downstairs helping with the girls while I continued working. Bullfrog began having a breakdown so I pulled him to the side and told him why I needed daddy. Bullfrog finally told me that it is HIS buddy time with daddy. So, I told him that I would be willing to give him tomorrow evening where I take ALL the girls and he can go somewhere with dad. That was all it took. I understood what he wanted, he understood what I needed, and we both moved on without a fight. No tears ... no meltdown ... happiness with everyone.
So .... are you a popsicle .....
or are you a pipe cleaner?
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