I too have a child with SPD though I had no idea what that was when he was two. But we were already an extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, babywearing family by the time my SPD child (my third son) came along. I can not imagine what it would have been like trying to get him to sleep alone in a crib or sit up in a high chair. Depending on the extent of your daughter's issues, you have a hard road ahead helping her feel safe in a world that is too loud, too scratchy, too dark or too bright. Breastfeeding was particularly critical since so many SPD kids have food aversions (sensitive to textures in the mouth) making keeping them nourished extra hard. SPD kids particularly need to be heard on their own terms since they have a harder time figuring out what other people's rules are. It sounds like your family is not really listening to you which means they will not really listen to your daughter (which is what she desperately needs). My son is seven and still often co-sleeps with us. We will give him what he needs as long as he needs it.
A friend said to me recently, "we marry one person and parent with a different one." So true. Sometimes the person we marry becomes a person we want to parent with but sadly sometimes he or she doesn't. :( Be the mom your daughter needs you to be. And good luck!
Jan 05, 2008
Why can't they understand?!? by: Anonymous
Why can't they understand this is so good for her??? You are one strong woman to stand up to your family like that. I hope you can find a way to bring your husband around. It is so unfair to all of you. Good job!!!
