Our daughter has been struggling lately.... ALOT.
We have gone through a lot of changes lately...
Graduating from Preschool
Flooding in our town that has affected alot of our family
The kick off program at her 'new' 'big' school.
Storms (rain, thunder etc)
Family changes (displaced family members have been around our home a lot more than usual).
Started our 'first' organized team sport (soccer).
Summer in general-- meaning Mommy isn't the most structured and schedule orientated as she should be.
We have been dealing with alot of meltdowns (they are different than tantrums) because things aren't the way that they 'should' be. We are dealing with a lot of anxiety because things aren't the way they are 'supposed' to be. Schedules aren't working, structure is non-existant in our home as of lately.
My 'fly by the seat of your pants' lifestyle is NOT healthy for my "I need structure and routine" child.... I know this. During the school year it is alot easier because my child is in 'school' for a big portion of my 'crazy' day so I only have to make sure that I structure later in the day. Let's face it... I suck at structure and routine. Plain and Simple... God really messed up when he blessed me with this amazing child. I mean really... apparently he didn't REALLY think it through. I am bound to screw this child up ....
But because of these changes we are also seeing a 'sleep' change which lets face it... SUCK BIG TIME!!! She needs sleep... I need sleep. and quiet frankly, I'm not sure I can survive another night on the couch with a restless 5 year old because she needs the lights on to sleep so that the storms can't get her.
But THIS I can do... I can do the couch night after night cuddled with a very warm active, restless 5 year old who is scared of her own shadow. I may not be able to make her day go right... but I can make her night go better... and if me not sleeping well lets her sleep... then THAT I can do.
I may be the mom of a sensational child, and of a sensational family... but I will never claim to be a sensational mom... because let's face it... lately I have been less than sensational... ALOT.
Awww mama! Be gentle on yourself. Have you tried melatonin? I've not used it, but I know of several moms that give it to restless kiddos with some success. I've been blessed that nighttime parenting is a non-issue here...even the dumb poodle has no problems with storms. Daytime is another animal though, and I know I need to get more structure into our days so that we actually get off of our couches!
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteYou won the free trial to Fotolia for custom graphics, but you don't have an email address listed ANYWHERE! I've tried to hunt one down but this is the only way I can find to reach you. Please email me at heather@homemademom.com to get your code. Thanks!!!
your are SENSATIONAL! sleeping on the couch deserves a mother of the year award...Trust me I know:/ Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeletep.s I can totally relate to the structure-less summer. It has plagued us too.
You are wonderful!! I find myself thinking the same things (why in The world do I have this kid?...my idea of structure is not the same as hers...I seriously have to plan what we're having for breakfast and have the Same thing on the Same day??--isn't it enough that I make sure we get up and have breakfast every morning?!...and on and on).
ReplyDeleteBut when I think like that I remind myself that God knew what he was doing when he gave me my daughter. He did it for a reason: He knew I was good for her and her for me =)
So, hang in there and know that you're not the only one struggling to structure your life for your sensational kiddo!
~Alexis