Saturday, March 17, 2012

Straight face

It can be hard to keep a straight face when dealing with children. Especially when they are having a "hissy fit".

My son was in Spring Harbor for 6 weeks. He got a lot of help while there and has come such a long way. This does not mean I was under any delusions that he was "fixed" or "cured". I knew that this was just a jumping off point. They got us started and now it's up to us (hopefully-soon-to-be-ex and I) to keep the momentum going so he continues to grow in his ability to cope and be flexible.

I had a great honeymoon period, although it was only just under 48 hours. We went to the library. When he said that since he was only going to check out one book so I should buy him something at SAMS Club. I explained that I wasn't going to do that (other than the gum I was getting him). He proceeded to get very loud at the library. We got in the car where he then told me how it's been 5 months since we last got him anything. I reminded
Him that Christmas was less than three months ago, his dad got him a toy on Thursday, we took him out to lunch Thursday, took him out to eat Friday night with his grandparents, AND I bought several things for him to earn (3 of which he already earned for such great choices and behavior!) none of this was true according to him. He hadn't gotten anything in at least 7 months. (it keeps growing)
He then decided to talk to himself (so I could hear- for a reaction I'm sure) stating that he wants to die. He doesn't get anything from his parents. He doesn't get to eat ever, nothing to drink, no toys to play with, he never gets to go out, life is too boring to want to live, if his mom and dad don't stop being so rude to him he will get new parents who will be nice to him. Because my child who has a whole room dedicated to his toys and games and trampoline and therapy items has nothing. We won't even let him eat or drink. We are so mean! All he can do is lay there and stare into nothing.

Needless to say, this went on for about 20 minutes. The whole time I ignored him so as not get into the "debate" he so wanted. I did remind him that he lost a point for "kind and appropriate words". This is why the inside of my cheek is raw. I kept biting it to keep from laughing at my child.

We arrived home, he laid on my lap on the couch and cried for about a minute before he was back to being this amazing kid that came home from SH. I love my child and realize he struggles with things most of us find so easy and simple, but today I think he was just being a kid, and I'm proud of myself for following the plan, and especially for keeping a straight face.

Kids say the darnedest things......

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