Chris and I can watch just about any kid's PBS show with one exception, the Jack and the Beanstalk episode of Super Why. In the story, they can't get Baby Joy, Whyatt's little sister, to stop crying. She cries and cries. Nothing seems to help. Except changing the channel.
It reminds us both too much of Jude crying. He cried and cried as a baby. And he still cries and whines for us today. What brings it on? Anything new, anything frustrating and any sort of transition (from playing to going in the car, from going in the car to going inside to go potty, from watching a show to eating dinner). It's all met with a whiny cry, lots of sobs, tears and foggy glasses. And that's just Chris (smile).
It reminds us both too much of Jude crying. He cried and cried as a baby. And he still cries and whines for us today. What brings it on? Anything new, anything frustrating and any sort of transition (from playing to going in the car, from going in the car to going inside to go potty, from watching a show to eating dinner). It's all met with a whiny cry, lots of sobs, tears and foggy glasses. And that's just Chris (smile).
We hear that Jude reserves this behavior primarily for us, his parents. Teachers usually comments what a happy, playful child he his. He loves to give hugs and is all smiles at school. It's certainly a blessing that he doesn't have a behavior disorder at school. He just has a Jude disorder at home.
We have discovered one therapy that helps. It's called Integrated Listening Systems (iLS). There are several programs within it, but the one we love best is called "calming". Jude listens to 15-30 minutes of it while he's playing or focusing on a task. And it completely evens out his emotions for the next several days. Perhaps I should use it next. If anything, the music will block out all the crying, right? :)
Here is a short video about the technology:
We have discovered one therapy that helps. It's called Integrated Listening Systems (iLS). There are several programs within it, but the one we love best is called "calming". Jude listens to 15-30 minutes of it while he's playing or focusing on a task. And it completely evens out his emotions for the next several days. Perhaps I should use it next. If anything, the music will block out all the crying, right? :)
Here is a short video about the technology:
If I could have a magic wand, I'd make Jude happy. I would make transitions (and life) easier for him. We wonder about the Jude we envisioned in our family. He'd be the male version of Lucy. He'd smile and flirt with the ladies. He'd spell his name loudly when someone asked. He'd sleep in a bed with a pillow and lots of blankets. He'd take off his own clothes and run around naked. He'd like to go for ice cream or to a movie. He'd talk about Santa and what he wants for Christmas. He'd help us set the table. He'd want a sticker chart and a puppy.
These are things that lots of typical kids do. While Jude is not a typical kid, he does come with many of his own kinds of blessings. When he laughs, it's contagious. He is sensitive and sympathetic to anyone who is upset. He is persistent and brave. He loves to go bowling, even though he can't see far enough to know how many pins he's knocked down. He pushes the ball and laughs anyway.
There are other kinds of tears that Jude brings us. Tears of joy. There is a special sense of pride in accomplishments that don't come very easily. Like having a vision impairment and still learning letters, numbers and colors. That is the gift we are learning to appreciate. Those times when Jude succeeds in spite of his challenges are worth all the tears from him and us along the way.
These are things that lots of typical kids do. While Jude is not a typical kid, he does come with many of his own kinds of blessings. When he laughs, it's contagious. He is sensitive and sympathetic to anyone who is upset. He is persistent and brave. He loves to go bowling, even though he can't see far enough to know how many pins he's knocked down. He pushes the ball and laughs anyway.
There are other kinds of tears that Jude brings us. Tears of joy. There is a special sense of pride in accomplishments that don't come very easily. Like having a vision impairment and still learning letters, numbers and colors. That is the gift we are learning to appreciate. Those times when Jude succeeds in spite of his challenges are worth all the tears from him and us along the way.
Poem of the day:
Tears
Salty water
Foggy little glasses
Always wishing them away
Parenting
Tears
Salty water
Foggy little glasses
Always wishing them away
Parenting