Transitions Ease Up Over Time

Maizie's favorite holiday has always been Halloween. I was not surprised when she began asking to visit the Halloween stores that open every year around this time. We picked up Christian on our way there. He kept saying, "I'm just a little bit scared. I'm gonna be okay though." Maizie gets a little nervous with some of the moving displays but she loves looking at all the costumes and spooky decorations. If she had our choice she would have our house totally decked out in Halloween decorations. Yesterday was my little sister Melissa's birthday. It was great to see my niece Alex. Maizie read her a book. They look so cute together. We gave Melissa her very first Webkinz. Of course I had to throw one in for Alex as well. Melissa has also become a vegetarian so we picked out a vegetarian slow cooker book for her. I love my slow cooker. Maizie had her teeth cleaned before the birthday get together so she was getting a bit tired by the time we went to my mom's house. It was not singing that was getting to Maizie but Alex's never ending talking. Which we all find adorable.

Maizie has a difficult time understanding Alex which adds to her stress. She feels frustrated and tired from filtering all the talking going on in the room. As a mom I can see how difficult these times are for her. I give her a lot of credit for working so hard to hold herself together.

Once we leave she may become upset and let out all of the pent up emotion and frustration. That can be hard for both of us to handle after a nice get together. Up until she was about six the leaving and "letting it all out" in the car was almost unbearable, for both of us. Sometimes we would have to sit in the car for up to an hour before we were able to leave.

I would like to say we had some magic that we made happen to ease those transitions after a social gathering. It takes a great deal of patience to make it through those times. I have always encouraged Maizie to "save it" for the car. Now she will even tell me if we need to leave somewhere quickly. That can be tricky when I don't want to leave. However, teaching her to let us know when she could not take any more was not easy. I have to respect her need to leave and encourage her sharing that with me. I imagine many parents out there can totally relate.