At home, we didn't have the nicknack's and glassware for him to knock over and break. Getting around on his own brought out the happy in him. He'd be in a constant state of grins, while powering himself around at the speed of light. I checked on him and then a few minutes later, he'd be many, many steps from where I saw him before. I'd say, "There you are!" He beamed me up a smile and kept on going, showing off his new talent. This was also a real awakening time for my husband and I. The beginning of learning our son's unique nature.
Around that time, we visited family at the beach. They had fragile glass on the coffee table. Everyone, including Joshua's siblings, were saying, and even yelling, "No, no!" The shouts came with rushing to catch a vase before it fell to the floor. Joshua looked up, his eyes wide in shock at the loud voices.
After an hour of this, Joshua cried in hysterics. I took him upstairs to nurse him, but he arched his back and screamed. We were sure he was ill. But, when this happened the following two visits, my husband figured it out. Joshua's sensitive nature couldn't handle all the people (six total), yelling or saying no at him.
We asked our family members to come visit us until we hoped this would pass. We stayed home for three months, while we taught Joshua not to touch certain items. When we went back, it was agreed I or my husband would be the only ones to discipline Joshua. It worked very well, and Joshua never had another crying jag from this particular situation.
I've learned we must take each child's nature and train them, considering their unique personalities. God designed us with no two people alike. Because of Joshua's tender feelings, we gave up spanking our children. But that's another story.
Until next time . . . love your little children should also mean, take their individual persons into consideration to help grow them into emotionally healthier adults.
Jean, Have you just started this blog? I am so interested in your journey. We have three boys. We knew from the womb that the one who invaded by life at 43 was going to demand everything we had. He is almost 13, and God's loving warning has been true. I will follow.
ReplyDeleteYes, Anonymous, I just started this blog and I believe I have seven posts so far. I see you are an older mother to your son? You were 43 when you conceived? This is good, because older parents tend to be more calm and mature about their decisions. I was 17 and 18 with my first two children. I was 25 when Josh was born, and felt more able to cope with all his issues which started out only physical at first, but quickly escalated to emotional as well.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that this blog may be of help to you. I post about once every ten days, but hope to post once a week during the winter when I have more time.
May I suggest reading a few books on children like ours? I don't have a list in mind, but you could do research and learn more about your son. And the one thing I did learn that my son needed? Sress needs to be kept at a minimum if at all possible. Of course praying for your leading into learning more is utmost.
In my situation, I put my head in the sand, not believing my son could do what my mother did.
God bless you, dear parent! I will pray for you and your son.
Jean