My parents came for a visit last week, and I so appreciated all of their encouragement and help. It was amazing how much easier it was to be the parent of three wounded children when someone was right there, wanting to help in any way they could. It was discernibly different how much better behaved [...]
Ok. So, I know that in this post I am going to sound completely pathetic, but here it goes with the honesty…. I have been wanting to get a lap dog for over a year now. Mind you, we already own a Newfoundland dog who would LOVE to be a lap dog (all 135 pounds [...]
Today was a short day for school, so basically my newest son only had two hours of tutoring and then I brought him back home. He has been kicked out of the regular classroom, because his behaviors were getting so out of control. To say I was less than thrilled about having to go and [...]
My parents are coming into town tomorrow from Wisconsin. I miss them, so I’m really excited for their visit. I’m getting ready for their arrival. You know….. The normal getting-ready-for-company routine. Cleaning the house, making sure there are fresh sheets on the guest bed, getting the fridge stocked up, and making sure they have [...]
Some of you are already laughing at the title and shaking your head. Some of you (especially those of you with extremely wounded children) are already finding yourself jealous of me. Admit it, you know you are! I actually had enough energy to go for an hour long walk on the treadmill and to call [...]
Today was Easter (you know, that holiday when, despite what the candy manufacturers would want us to believe, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord). Our newest boy’s morning had already started out rough, so our morning began with hushed discussions as to whether or not he could handle going to church. Wanting him to [...]
I’m learning that, when you are the parent of a wounded child, fun isn’t usually fun anymore. At the very least, fun outings become a great source of anxiety for wounded children. My still-angry child who missed the trip to the pool tries so hard to sabotage any fun due to his anxiety. Fun is just too much for him to handle. I find that, even in the midst of fun, wounded children are still wounded. Most days for us include “therapy.” I can’t seem to get away from it, even when we are supposed to be having fun. Moment by moment, these children are dealing with emotions much to big for them to deal with on their own. So, in the midst of a pool party, I am helping a child work through her anger and jealousy. It is just a normal part of my everyday life to have to say many times throughout the day, “What are you mad about now?” or “Use your words.”
I have found the feelings journal to be quite helpful. My kids hate it. But, I have observed that if they’ve gone more than a week without writing in it, I see the difference in their behavior.
I was so proud of one of my kiddos. Yesterday my daughter dealt with issues that would be hard for an adult to deal with. It took courage and bravery. Afterward, you could see the big grin across her face, and I swear she was pounds lighter walking out of that session. Yesterday was a reminder to me. “Oh yea. This is why I do what I do.” Now, really I do what I do for one reason, and that is because God had called me to parent three wounded kids.
Last week was awful. It was spring break, and I am still recovering from the fallout. I feel like I am walking around like a zombie, or the walking wounded. Not a fun place to be. Last week I started out with lots of dreams and plans for how the week would go. I had [...]
