I just experienced the privilege of seeing a caring mom in action. Her child was being asked to do a routine thing that was overwhelming him. She knew his normal reaction to things and this was not normal. (Meltdown) With much prodding by others she started to force him through the situation. (Meltdown cont.) Within minutes she put an end to the pain and just was present and comfort for her child.
Don't you just have days where you can't deal with everyday things? So do children. Add a busy weekend of a child being drug around through lots of events and outings and you have a recipe for meltdown.
It isn't that our little ones can't handle a change in their routine. Shaking it up once in awhile is good for them. They need to learn to roll with things. However, it is important to remember that they have their limits. Be sensitive to when they have reached it. That is when the day becomes about them and not what is left to do.
The sensitivity, intuitiveness, and compassion you show your child when they can't cope on their own will make a huge impact on them. It is well worth missing whatever next thing is on the agenda to tend to what they really need. (You)
It might be good to mention here that it is possible to expect to much out of your child. We are so eager to give them every advantage that we overbook them and ourselves. Choose to do less and spend more time doing things at home. Decide as a Christian parent what priorities of your time you want to teach your kids. You have to model this message. You can't say they can't do a ton of things but you stay extremely busy. Weekend church and mid week Bible study/small group should be the top message. (God 1st)Most nights home with the family, message 2, (Family 2nd) pursuing passions/interests, message 3. (self/others 3rd) Balance your message. Put the message in the right order of importance.
Time flies so fast. Cherish your time as a family as much as you can.
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