Comments on: Where Is That Invisibility Cloak?

By: Danette

Danette — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:51:00 +0000

Where is that invisibility cloak when you need it?? I totally agree, it has been a matter of survival (mentally / emotionally) to develop a very thick skin. And thankfully this is no longer a several-times-a-day occurrence at our house, as it was for years, that helps too! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t still get annoyed by people’s rude stares or looks, but the truth is I am able to tune most of it out, and I don’t let it bother me for hours on end anymore. As long as it is directed at me anyway. When that nonsense is actually directed at my kids, that’s a totally different story – mama bear has a hard time letting go of the anger over that (but I do eventually).

By: Nicki

Nicki — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:08:18 +0000

I used to have lots of moments like that with the 11-year-old boy I did respite care for! In fact, a few times people even called security on us, and we got kicked out of places! How humiliating, right? But in the end, (as long as no civilians are harmed in the process) nobody else matters but your kid, your family, and you.

By: Melody

Melody — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:03:28 +0000

Thank you all for sharing the good as well as the not so good reactions you have received.

I needed to be reminded that most times people are empathizing with me over my theatrical little group’s antics than are being condescending.

We’re all in this together…the parenting gig…and we have to hang tight.

By: PeytonsMom

PeytonsMom — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:58:18 +0000

Oh I’ve been there. I remember one day melting down in tears while Peyton just cried during some chemo-induced tantrum. I cried for the frustratoin of the moment and for the anger at not having a normal child that could get through ONE Target trip. A very sweet woman walked over to me and just put her hand on my shoulder and said “it’s just one moment, it’ll pass” and I remember her kindness more than any other glare or whisper. Her understanding meant the world to me on that day in that store.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:28:22 +0000

This is A GREAT post, but then from a talented mom such as Melody… well, gee whiz!

Sometimes I wish that I could have a light that goes on over my head, so that people look at the light and not us, or at the child ,melting, melting into the floor.

I have found that if I keep my blood pressure and the tone of my voice down I can sometimes, minimize the meltdown–
I even once got a complement from a senior citizen ! He was so impressed that I didn’t cave into my sons demands and bad behaviors!
Whooo Hoooo — that was a GREAT parenting day!
Sadly, it’s been a while since that day!

By: Tammy and Parker

Tammy and Parker — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:00:49 +0000

Dear Melody,

May I please, please send my Rigel to your house? You can send him back after college.

Lubs ya,

Tammy

By: Julie @ A Celebration Of Our Journey

Julie @ A Celebration Of Our Journey — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:34:02 +0000

A great reminder- Thanks!! A friend told me once that people often watch to see the parent’s reaction and I’ve found that to be true. Sure, a tantrum or really odd behavior can be kind of embarrassing, but my reaction to is can make a huge difference on how other people act towards us.

Remind me I said that!!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:44:50 +0000

This one is the zinger for me:

“Honestly, once you get over caring what other people think of you, parenting your child in the manner you know is best becomes much easier.”

That applies to so many different areas of our lives! Even ourselves and our own actions! Thank you for reminding me. The decision to quit agonizing over other peoples’ thoughts is so freeing!

By: Catherine Levy

Catherine Levy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:27:58 +0000

Oh yeah, I too want to get one of those invisibility cloaks :p!!

Catherine

By: Catherine Levy

Catherine Levy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:27:14 +0000

Wow, thank you SOOOOOOOO much for this post…I have these “meltdowns” quite a lot and it is nice to know that I am NOT the only one out there dealing with them. Although at the time when these “meltdowns” occur you are the only one usually in the store that is dealing with this situation. Anywho, I would love to see more posts sort of like this one ! I must say though that my son’s meltdowns are coming down in number since he has been on a restricted diet for 4 weeks now going on 5 weeks.

Hugs to all you other parents out there who are going through this too,
Catherine