Having two kids means four times more work than one. When both kids are in therapy, everything is four times harder than that. We started the two-in-occupational-therapy schedule when school got out. It looked to be a short-term thing, she just needed help with her handwriting. That was wishful thinking sprinkled with a dash of denial.
Denial is strong emotion. “There is no way that both of my kids have issues” was the first barrier. All my complaining about how she can’t complete tasks didn’t get past “I know ADHD runs in my family and most of them live productive lives with medication.” It feels so backward because she is the elder child and in second grade.
After a sensory profile and some soul-searching, we begin the process of evaluations. We have an service referral in with the school and we will visit the pediatrician in a couple weeks. Gulp.
It will all fall into place given time.
It’s so hard to add another child to the sensory family. All four of my kids are in speech, the baby’s getting evaluated, and I have two in OT and maybe should have three.
But it’s good. Because if you didn’t have your labeled child, you wouldn’t notice the needs of the other, but those needs would still be there.
You say that as if it is a bad thing.
Wishing you greater comfort for the children you have.
Ooh you hit a tender spot for me today. I’m just starting to think about evals for my 7-year-old daughter b/c of her difficulty maintaining focus and completing tasks in a timely fashion if at all. My hubby’s still excusing it w/ “I was the same way… I was just bored.” I’m not so sure anymore. Better to check than to ignore! Thanks for the push.