Well, it has been quite a summer of working with flexibility.
I think I shared about the schedule or really lack of a schedule for Elizabeth.
Well, things are starting to shape into a bit more of a reliable schedule, except that now we are changing the schedule by taking some time for a vacation. I guess I too am learning greater flexibility in all this.
I am also learning once again, just how little I am in control of but that is another topic entirely.
So, with all the changes I noticed some familiar coping with Elizabeth and that is increased screen time.
Meaning she will do what we are doing but then will dive bomb herself to her bed to “relax” and watch some stuff on her phone.
Ok, I thought, we all need some time.
Except for some time turned to a lot of time.
And then the re-engaging of Elizabeth to “general population” got tougher.
Truly this is not unique territory, just territory we haven’t visited in a long time, and I wish we did not visit again.
Anyway, time for an intervention!
Actually, it was a long talk together about things, schedules, different things she can do and pick from, why being alone a lot is not healthy ( my opinion) and that we need to plan better for her free time.
And we did ship shape the schedule.
Yay!
Until her mood did seem good about these choices. Kind of angry.
What?! Usually this works.I thought.
So back to the talking she and I went.
And many, many feeling came out.
And then the next talk, more feelings.
She and I decided that more chat times would be a good idea to help with these feelings. So we began our nightly talks WITHOUT fail.
We did our chats but not every night sort of when needed.
Now they are at 7 pm and both our phones have alarms to signal the time to talk.
It has made a world of difference in her mood and outlook.
I am never surprised by all she feels because she is amazing and so smart. But I am surprised by how much she holds onto at one time, it is like unless she has some help to sort out big emotions they stay there and almost get layered by the next one.
I guess we can all do that but for Elizabeth these emotions can affect her days, work and really her organization.
So nobody bother us at 7!
So, we have found some order in the summer even amidst the schedule craziness. Did I think it would go this way this summer? No, not at all.
But it is in good shape now and for that I am grateful and in truth, I look forward to our times to talk because don’t we all need someone to hear us?
See you next month!