A couple of days ago I posted about how I was having a return of the meltdowns from my middle daughter after the holiday and after shuttling her to lots of fun, but still stressful, events. Because of her sensory and anxiety issues, and because she is improving in many ways, I forget that she still has a ways to go and I’m not always up for the challenge of coping.
I do get reminders of what I need to be doing more of, and in this post about Why One-on-One Time Works Better for Children’s Behavioral Issues at my other blog The Wonder Years, I write about how I’m reminded why it’s so important to keep connection with my highly sensitive middle daughter. She needs it more when she behaves her worst, because she is still in need of help coping through the rough parts. For as much progress she has made, it hasn’t even been a year since her diagnosis. She is still growing and learning and doing much better, but still takes a step back for every few steps forward. It’s okay and expected that this is going to be a dance we need to keep learning.
In the meantime, I need to make sure I take care of myself better to have more to help her with. As it is, I’ve got a raging cold because I haven’t been taking care of myself as much as I need to. Having a few days of insomnia isn’t helping.
Raising Smart Girls 
Hi, I came across your blog and I think it’s great. My 6 year old son has selective mutism and some days are so difficult, but he’s incredibly gifted and I feel lucky for that! If you have twitter, you can catch me here http://twitter.com/SelectiveMutism
Selective Mommy – thanks so much for posting. I don’t twitter – partly because I usually have access to my computer so there’s no need. But I’ll keep your comment in case I ever do!
My SM daughter is gifted too and I’m in awe of what she can do (when she’s not melting down!).