The first day of school provides challenges for all families, no matter what the age or circumstance. However, the first day of school for parents with special needs children can be extremely difficult. I have four children - two of which are on the Autism Spectrum. Although my boys are highly functioning, changes in routines are always difficult. When I say 'change of routine' I'm not just referring to waking up earlier or going to the bus stop instead of the babysitter . . . . I'm talking about every teensie, tiny detail that changes. Things that us crazy non-autistic people don't think of. Like pants.
Most kids are super excited about the first day of school because it means new clothes, new backpacks, new lunch boxes . . . new is good, right? Not for kids on the spectrum. I thought my battle with the pants ended in the dressing room at the store, however I was sadly mistaken. I had convinced my son that the pants (that he was convinced were WAY too big) would be fine once he had his new school shoes on. He agreed and I thought it was over.
When I came downstairs this morning, I found him completely dressed (which was exciting) but already throwing a fit. The pant legs were covering his new shoe laces! I had not anticipated this, therefore I did not have a plan. I spent several minutes trying to convince him that they were the perfect fit and even offered to let him wear shorts if it bothered him that much. Nope. Not an option. The plan was to wear this outfit and nothing was going to change that.
I rolled up the pant legs. Not good enough. He suggested we cut the brand new pants. Not an option. Then it dawned on me.... Dr. Google! I grabbed the laptop and googled PROPER PANT LENGTH images. His response: You can't always believe what you read on the internet. Seriously. Now you're going to use that on me?
I showed him tons of pictures of people wearing pants that covered their shoe laces. His response: these are men, not kids. So, we google KIDS pant length. Guess what pops up? Stupid skinny jeans that come to the ankle! Come on - you're killing me! I quickly exit out of the screen and search for bootleg cut jeans on kids. Finally - some kids wearing jeans that covered their shoe laces. It's now 7:35 am, he hasn't eaten breakfast, brushed his hair or brushed his teeth and we have to leave at 7:45 am. Not to mention there are still three other to get ready & out the door.
We eventually piled into the car - ten minutes early to the bus stop. However, the plan was to be at the bus stop fifteen minutes early. Therefore, because we did not stick to the plan, we missed the bus and had to chase it down three stops away.
As you can see the theme of this blog entry is the importance of creating AND sticking to a plan. So, as you get back into your school activities and schedules, be sure to PLAN time for yourself. Create a workout schedule and stick to it. It can be running in your neighborhood, taking group ex classes, working out with a personal trainer - anything! Just pick something and stick to it!
Yes, life gets in the way and it's not always easy or pretty. But once you've pushed through, you'll be able to look back at your accomplishment with pride. Kind of like our first day back. I'm headed to the sauna, which not only helps to kill the Lyme - but just happens to be a great stress-reliever. Just another reason to join me here at 'the club.' Click here for a free pass, I'll save you a spot!
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