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Teeter Totter ~ Finding a Balance Between Me-Hood and Motherhood
Gender: female Date of Birth: January 01, 1973 Member Since: September 11, 2007 Last Signed In: March 19, 2010 Blog Views: 16600 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend
Running with Lurch
YES! Your Teen’s Crazy! Picture Perfect Combating Stress Mom’s Gone Wild! RIP Big Blue Whale Lowjack Your Kid? P’s and Q’s Intervention vs Teamwork Sweet and Healthy September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 December 09 January 10 February 10 March 10 Teeter Totter Finding a Balance Between "Me-Hood" and "Motherhood" In this blog I'll be covering as wide a variety of subjects as the duties of a real mom in today's culture. From raising special needs children, family vacations, marriage, relationships, sex, cooking, local to-do, school (both for you and the children), working, hiring a daycare provider, arts and crafts, decorating, holidays, to well... EVERYTHING! No holding back. 
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Did You Ever Think?
My son and I were driving home from I explained to him that he is much braver that I ever thought he would be. “WHAT?” He said. “How?” “When you were much younger,” I explained, “you were lost in your head a lot.” Children on the Autism Spectrum have this in common. They withdraw mentally into their own world. Each child is different, but for us I would say he used to live half the time in his own world and half in ours. The time he spent in his own would fluxuate depending on his stress levels and environment. When submerged in his own world his imagination would explode. Colors, music, scenarios, anything he can think up comes to life in his head. His fingers flick, he makes noises and/or hums his own musical score to go along with what he’s experiencing in there. Most theraputic strategies for children on the Autism Spectrum are targeted at pulling them out of this world and back into ours. At giving them the tools to function in our world, and not just visit. For this to work however, the child has to WANT to be here. Let’s face it, if you and I could just flip a mental switch and REALLY be gone from this world, why would you not do that as often as you could? To leave that safe womb-like state only to be attacked by loud noises, strong smells, bright colors, tight clothes, stress and expectations… THAT is bravery (ok, I’m feeling all teary eyed now). As I explained all this to my son I could see (even with my eyes on the road) that it was the very first time he had thought of himself like that. As being BRAVE for leaving his own world and joining ours. More and more, year by year he’s emerged from his own safe mind to struggle his way into our world. Not only struggle, but succeed! He has many friends, is doing beautifully in school, is kind and thoughtful, he’s becoming a wonderful man. To accomplish all those things while pushing yourself to stay anchored in the here and now and not slip back into your own head is an amazing feat. One he did all on his own. I told him that even though I helped by giving him the tools (advocacy, therapy, love, understanding), it is something I couldn’t do FOR him. HE’S the one who did it in the end. He really started to shine at that point. He was realizing that he IS brave and just how far he’s come. So did I ever think he’d turn out like this? No… I wouldn’t let myself dare to dream that my life would ever be so wonderful, or that his would be too. 5 comments from 4 users
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posted by
suprizmom
on Apr 18, 2008 at 02:45 PM
thank you for all your insight fullness.. it is so wonderful to hear a parent speak about how very proud you are of your son.... I too am a wonderfully proud mom of my kids and the wonderful people that they have turned out to be. I would like to give you kudos because I know from experience that it is a supportive special parent to bring such a wonderful person up.
posted by
creatress
on Apr 18, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Thank you so mcuh suprizmom. That's so very kind of you to say. Being a mom is indeed the hardest, most wonderful job you will ever have!
posted by
hmoeckli
on Apr 18, 2008 at 04:48 PM
This a very beautiful post. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Your son sounds like an amazing kid. posted by
JetWithKids
on Apr 22, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Your son does sound like an amazing kid - but really, look at who gives him the foundation he needs? A great mom! I don't know you - but can tell that YOU are brave - and smart! The answer that you gave him is exactly why he is blossoming. You were securing his foundation one solid stone at a time - and THAT is what allows him to be anchored. Good job mom!
posted by
creatress
on Apr 22, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Wow! Thank so much for your oh so kind words! What a compliment! Careful, my next picture will have a VERY big head in it!
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