Hypo What?

The first time I heard the specialist diagnose my son Branson with hypotonia, I had him repeat the word a few times just to pronounce it correctly.  Since then, the foreign word Hypotonia has been added to my daily vocabulary.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, "Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone (the amount of resistance to movement in a muscle).  It is not the same as muscle weakness, although the two conditions can co-exist" (National Institutes of Health, 2007).  Not all children with SPD have Hypotonia, but in Branson's case Hypotonia plays a leading role with his SPD and it affects him greatly.  Climbing stairs, playing sports, or even dancing to silly songs tires him quickly.  His endurance levels are not the same as other children his age, which makes for short play dates.  I have learned that short periods of rest that contain low stimulation contribute to better days.  In addition, small protein snacks are becoming my new secret weapon.  More importantly, I find giving myself breaks throughout the day keeps me fueled to accomplish the day’s events. This means that I rest when he rests. So to all the parents lined up with excusses-put down the laundry, walk away from the dishes, and actually breathe for a few moments. It's hard to believe, but I promise the house will still function with or without you taking a breather. It takes practice and sometimes I still give into my motherly chores during nap time, but in general I am learning that busyness cometh before destruction.

NO Pants-NO Pants!

I am sure, as parents,  we have all struggled with dressing our toddlers.  As for me, my son has decided that pants just aren't his thing.  Side Note - (Children with Sensory Processing Disorder, textures are a parents best friend and worst enemy).  In the past, I have purchased numerous amounts of pants that were made from various materials.   Fleece and cotton with an adjustable waistline have become my son's favorite pants,  but today was a new day for pants.  Getting ready for school, my son yells out with a fearful cry NO Pants, mommy, NO Pants.  Now this is not your typical toddler fit, but rather an SPD episode.  These episodes fluctuate in intensity, but today he was coming out of his own skin with anxiety and fear.  So I slammed my cold coffee, threw on a hat, and decided to play superhero one more time for today is the day where I create a new way to wear pants.  My first thought was where is my mom she'll know what to do. My second thought was he could just go to school with no pants, but it is 29 degrees out and the teacher might call CPS, but then it hit me.  Favorite pajamas layered underneath the pants.  Believe it or not, it worked.  Yes he looked a little funny with his pajamas peeking out underneath his clothes, but that is what you do when your child needs you.  Now you may be thinking I have officially catered to my three year old's meltdown, but for all those parents facing SPD on a daily basis, my hat's off to you if your children are dressed today!