***Warning*** This is an absolute meltdown. I did not video this as a joke, or to be mean. This is really just to document his behavior. From what I am learning, this is pretty typical FAS behavior, not just toddler behavior. He is not feeling well today, and it has been a DAY! Lots of meltdowns. This is when his lack of communication skills makes things really hard. He isn't feeling well, but can't tell me what is wrong. He can't tell me what he wants, or needs. He has just cried if I hold him, cried if I put him down. Cried to reach for food, and then have an absolute meltdown when I give him the food. Seriously. This meltdown in the video occured just b/c I sat him down for a minute. He had already been crying, and acting like he wanted out of my arms before I sat him down. He threw his worst, and longest tantrum to date this morning b/c I broke my granola bar in half to share with him. Apparently he just wanted the whole thing. He also threw a fit like this b/c I tried to give him the cheerios that he asked for. Luckily, this has been his worse day ever, as far as behavior goes. And, I have actually been able to stay in good spirits despite it, so I am glad for that. **I forgot to add earlier that after I put the camera down, I picked him up, and walked to the glass door where he could look out. He was stopped crying immediately. These meltdowns are pretty extreme, and irrational, but I have learned that I can usually pick him up, and redirect his attention, and he will get over them pretty quickly.
Do you know what set his mood on the uphill climb today? A piece of cake. I have offered him every food and drink that I have to offer, and finally I sat a piece of cake down in front of him, and he ate that, and then ate his cheerios, and drank his drink, and has been happier since.
Poor Zack-y Pooh!! (POOR MAURY, too!!!) Hope he is feeling much better today!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you for being able to stay calm AND in a good mood. I can usually stay calm, but it affects my mood. I get crabby having to deal with melt downs constantly. And that part gets worse as girly girl gets bigger... it's harder to accept a fit like that from an older child. Even though I know in my head it's the only way she can release what she's feeling, that she really doesn't have the skills (yet) to articulate, understand, and do something else about it.... it's still hard to not expect better from her.
ReplyDeleteThe good thing is, though, for us it isn't day in day out behavior. Seems to come in spells, and we have some great days in between. Don't know if FAS is what we're dealing with, but we're here on this adventure of special needs parenting, too. You know I'm here when you need an ear! And you know when you're in town.... we should get all our crazy kiddos together. ;)
I couldn't see the video (b/c of my dialup) but I just wanted to send a late hug! Dealing with normal toddler tantrums with Samuel about did me in this go round... I remember saying "I do NOT want to do this again.. ever!" and meaning it. lol
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you have educated yourself SO much on FAS and you can seperate his behavior due to that from HIM. I have to assume that is a huge factor in your ability to love, accept, and comfort him in those times that most of us would want to throw them outside. (I mean.. into the fenced, safe backyard.. of course..) ;)