Most of the time, life with a child with a speech delay and special needs isnt difficult or different from life with a “normal” child. I mean, when your little one comes running to you screaming, “Hey!” and then stops to grab your face for a kiss, it just melts your heart.
But when those times come that they desperately need your help, but they can’t communicate what they need effectively, it brings you both to tears.
And so explains my afternoon. Bear was coming apart in my living room, but neither of us could say what was wrong. She was using every sign and every word she could, but I just couldn’t understand. I tried. She tried. But instead of helping, I was only making it worse.
It is in moments like these that I have learned only one thing to do. Separate myself from her for a few moments so we can both get our emotions under control.
And all this took place while Baby Banana was screaming for a nap.
In the end, Bear needed a diaper change and her shoes changed. She must have gotten ahold of some strawberries last night (she’s allergic) and that had given her a horrible rash. And after she sprained her ankle the other day during Lion’s physical therapy, certain shoes are hurting her feet.
We survived, but it wasn’t without some shed tears.
What do you do when your children cannot communication what they need? How do you work through those tense times?
