Tooter's Speech
I've talked before about how Tooter doesn't speak/listen/comprehend at his age level. But I know that is sort of a broad thing to say that doesn't necessarily explain our position with him. It doesn't explain the difficulties that we have with a 4 year old boy (in physical stature) who sometimes relates to us at a younger age level. His behavior is directly related to his communication skills at times, but that's really hard to explain to people who see a single situation and really don't know anything about us.
Here's an example. He still relies on a pacifier to help him sleep. It helps him get back to sleep after scratching episodes in the middle of the night, and I just don't feel guilty about letting him still use one. HowEVER, he does need to learn to do without it, or it's going to cause issues with his teeth alignment. So, today, I told him that he is going to need to learn to take his nap with no passie. (Grammar police, please stand down for a moment). He tells me, "No Mommy, I need to take a nap with yes passie".
Entry in the Cutest Things Kids Say contest, you say? Yeah.... it is sort of cute. Except that I know that he is generally not "getting" what I just said. It's not just cute talk. Ahhhh... I have dreams of having that wonderful personality that allows me to just relax and not worry about things like this. So I can just let it go and know that this will work itself out. So I can ignore those people who get judgmental about the behavior issues we have with him, when we're just doing the best we can with the situation at hand.
Blugh. I think I'm using the blog to vent today. Lucky you. :-) It has been one of Those Days. Hmmm. Maybe I just need a Yes Passie of my own.
Posts
6 comments:
Ooops, forgot not to put kid's real name. Anyway, I have NEVER noticed behavioral problems with Tooter. I know I'm not around him much, but still. And you know what? He's four. That is such a baby!! I mean, D is almost SIX and he still lays down on the floor and pitches fits, sucks his thumb, and wears pull-ups to bed. S tells lies and is mean to her brother and sister. I can't WAIT till my kids have a "real" conscience...you know...the Holy Spirit kind. I'm digressing. Toots is right where he needs to be in God's eyes, and I'm not trying to be patronizing. He really is! If the Lord wanted him to have perfect speech and perfect reasoning skills right now, he would have them, as much as you're probably praying about it. As big a deal as you think this is, believe me, girl, everybody thinks their stuff is a big, bad deal. It's not a big deal to God. At all. Just trust Him!
I have my worries too as a Mom and my times of great peace and trusting in the Lord. Those times when I am leaning not on my own understanding, I know that everything is going to work out all right somehow. On those other days, well, we won't talk about them right now. Let's just say that sin is not a pretty picture. We have some that are doing the best that they can. That includes children and parents. When you feel that you have given the best that you have to give and there is not much return as far as you can see, maybe it is because you are not looking with the right eyes. Never having been a parent before, I certainly do not claim to be an expert. I need THEE every hour - lately especially THY strength to carry on. Encourage yourself in the Lord, like David, did. He is more than able to take our feeble efforts and turn them into something grand.
Sigh. I shouldn't tell you then that I sucked a pacifier until I was four. My Granny bribed me with a puffy down vest if I would give it up. I did, got the vest, and that night started sucking my thumb. Which I sucked until I was EIGHT YEARS OLD. Sorry, friend. Sorry to share so much :) The only consequence? Braces for three years. But oh, the joys of that ol' thumb....
Heh.... That's too funny Kat!
Heck. I was in braces for three years, and I only used a pacifier for less than two years as a wee babe. So, methinks that you're telling me to quit worrying so much, huh?
Yeah. You pretty much have to tell me that every time you see me, dontcha?
Dearest Sister, Oh, how I understand your pain! I do hope you will contact CJ in OK. Don't you remember precious TJ? He was exactly as you say Tooter is. Although, quite honestly, I don't see any behavioral issues with Tooter. Maybe that's the Grandmother in me who refuses to see these children as being willfully disobedient. I see Tooter as a happy, outgoing, loving little boy who loves to shake hands in church! :) TJ had and still has problems with social interaction and with his emotions and he is nine years old. God only knows why some children have such struggles, but one thing we do know...God does not make mistakes! TJ is the child who would not meet new people and always freaked out when put in large crowds or unusual situations. Oh, the stories I can tell you of times when I saw that child suffer such anxiety. His first reaction would ALWAYS be to run to me, if I was there. I believed then, and still do believe, that he clung to me because he felt safe with me. He never had to prove anything to me. He knew I loved him unconditionally and believed that he was doing the best he could do at the time. Please allow me to relate some of my memories when you have time. Maybe one day after church. TJ still struggles with his speech, but mostly when he gets excited. His mouth goes faster than his brain. CJ and DJ will tell you right now that they believed themselves to be perfect parents when there were only two children. Then God gave them TJ. Suddenly they were plunged into a challenge they never anticipated, but oh, what a joy he has been in my life and the lives of many others. I see TJ and Tooter as being special children whom God knew would each need special parents to guide them in this world. That is why CJ and DJ have TJ and you and JMK have Tooter. Train Tooter as God has commanded, discipline when discipline is needful, choose your battles, but most of all love him unconditionally as you are loved of God. Be patient. Wait upon the Lord. Trust your God given ability. You and JMK are wonderful parents. Your children radiate happiness. As I said before, I'd love to sit and talk to you sometime. My goodness! I did not mean to ramble on like this! It's just that I am soooooo very passionate where young ones like TJ and Tooter are concerned. Lots of love, Sister Linda
Post a Comment