Don't Punish a Meltdown

    It's been awhile since I've written a real slice of life post. Well here it is. As it often happens with the posts of these kinds, the inspiration came from an unlikely source.

    How many times have you been told, "I would punish my child if he/she acted like that!" when someone witnessed one of your child's meltdowns?

    So we're rewatching Stranger Things seasons one and two on a loop lately. (I think Liam is ready for season three and tired of waiting, lol.) And something dawned on me. Wait......

SPOILERS AHEAD! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!

     In season two, episode 4, when Elle and Hopper get into a fight about her breaking the rules, it was eerily reminiscent of watching an autism meltdown. Let me preface the rest of this as saying, NO I DON'T THINK ELEVEN IS AUTISTIC. Any fan of the show clearly knows, she has psionic abilities. And while our kids have their own "superpowers," thanks to Autism, we know they can't manipulate objects with their minds.

    However, if you watch this clip, you may see the similarities I picked up on. When our kids (or us for that matter,) have a meltdown as a result of an argument, there's a point at which you stop. You stop yelling, speaking, and probably breathing. Because WE know that if we don't, we can ignite the meltdown even further.

    Okay, so in the show, Elle isn't having a meltdown per say. She gets in trouble with Hop for disobeying his rules. This leads to an argument. However, because he too is angry, he keeps pressing her. Yelling. Screaming. Punishing her by taking away the things she loves. Now, I'm not at all saying kids shouldn't be punished when they misbehave or break rules. What I am saying is that we must learn to step back.

    We know that Hopper lost his daughter at a young age. So he hasn't been a daddy for a few years. Now he's raising a tween. A powerful tween, that is full of hormones, emotions, rage, and heartbreak, from a life lived in a lab. So not only is Hop out of date on parenting, but he's never had to father a child of this age, or with this background. 

    Okay, so let's think of the people that tell us our kids should be punished when having a meltdown. They are Hops. (Maybe not as sweet, because let's face it, some people suck.) What I mean is, they may not be parents, or aren't parents to special kids. So they don't realize that we can't yell, scream, and punish our kids when they are having a meltdown.

    We all know that as our kids get older, and they do make mistakes, we need to step in. However, when an argument progresses into a meltdown, we must step back. In that moment, the time for reprimand is lost. Now it becomes a spiral, that we must guide our children through.

    Once they make it out the other side of that meltdown, they're tired, we're tired. Probably still angry or at the very least upset, too. Which means, that now isn't the time either. This is where "we must choose our battles," stands out. Depending on the infraction that led to the argument, and the subsequent meltdown, there may still need to be a punishment. However, that can come later.

    When everyone involved has calmed down, and is thinking rationally, is when we should sit down and talk. Explain to our autie what they did wrong. Why we were so upset. And then give the punishment. However, be clear that you aren't punishing for the meltdown, but rather the mistake the child made which led to the argument and spiraled into that meltdown. 

    So my whole comparison for this post is this: When people see our kids having a meltdown. They're screaming, crying, maybe throwing things, breaking things, (like Eleven in the clip above,) or becoming self injurious, they think our kids are being brats. Those people would react much like Hopper. However, they don't realize, that in that moment, our children are out of control. But WE DO. And that's all that matters. So choose your battles, and bide your time. You got this. (And be thankful our kids don't have psionic abilities! Can you imagine that? We would never have windows, doors, and probably walls in our homes.)

Measure Temps Quickly and Efficiently

    No parent wants to see their child fall ill. So why not make the time easier by being able to measure their temperature quickly and efficiently? At least that's one less thing to worry about, right?

Measure Temps Quickly and Efficiently

    My son's pediatrician always called him the fever magician. That's because he has always been able to spike a high fever, out of nowhere, without any other obvious signs of illness. When he does become sick, his temperature is almost always very high as well. So when that time comes, I'm on fever duty. 

    That means that depending on how high his fever is, I must set alarms on my phone, and wake him every one to two hours to keep an eye on his temperature. That makes for a cranky sick child, and an ornery mother. Not anymore, thanks to our Infrared Digital Thermometer. Now I can check his temp like a ninja without disturbing his slumber. It only take a second to get a reading too, which means I can get back to sleep more quickly.

In the Ear or Across the Forehead

    Taking my family's temperature has never been easier. Our new Infrared Digital Thermometer will measure their body temp either in their ear, or on their forehead. This thermometer is medically calibrated so you get the most accurate reading from your sick loved one. 

    You can use this thermometer on babies, toddlers, kids, tweens, teens and adults! The probe is small in size so it isn't too large to fit in a tiny ear canal. You don't have to go far in to get a good reading either. This is what makes it perfect for the entire family. 

Keeps Up to Thirty Readings

     This Infrared Digital Thermometer stores up to thirty readings. You can keep an eye on how your loved ones fever has progressed or declined thanks to this function. This is handy because when I am waking up so many times in the night, I don't always remember what the last reading was. I like knowing that the thermometer will remember for me!

    I love this thermometer. It's easy to use, and perfect for all of us. It comes with a battery installed (just remove the plastic so it can work.) This thermometer even comes with an extra battery, so you're good to go. Get one for your family, or as a baby shower gift! 

Dresses and More for Any Occassion

    Yesterday was Easter, and many of us don our nicest clothes. But whether you're looking for clothing for church, school dances, and more, Sophia's Style has a full selection for both boys and girls alike.

Dresses and More for Any Occasion

    I first came across Sophia's Style last spring when I was looking for baby girl dresses for a friend of mine. I immediately fell in love with not only their wide array of styles, but also their prices too. Quality clothing and affordable prices is a rare find these days!

    This Spring, I wanted to choose a dress for my sweet niece. She loves to wear fancy dresses, and with Easter service right around the corner, I knew my sister in law would be looking for the perfect dress for Ash. Once again, Sophia's Style did not disappoint.

My Niece and Her Mom are in Love

    The Neon Pink Wool Dobby Dress I chose, came just in time for Easter! On good Friday it was here and my husband took it over for my niece. I immediately sent my sister in law images and she couldn't wait to see it in person. My niece loved it, as did my sister!

    The color is beautiful and so on point with the bright colors that are in right now. The pearls around the waist are the perfect touch. Oh, and did I mention, it has flounce? There's crinoline type lining underneath so the lower portion has some flair.

    With the v neckline and the pearls, it reminds me of an up to date dress that Audrey Hepburn would wear today. It's absolutely gorgeous. I may be bias but my niece looks so beautiful in it!

So Much More

    Sophia's Style has a full selection of clothing for babies, toddles, kids, tweens and teens. They have outfits for both girls and boys, as well as accessories. From bow ties, hair ties, and so much more. Amazing prices and fantastic customer service make Sophia's Style a top place to shop! Check them out!

Be sure to follow Sophia's Style via Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Stepping into Poo Never Felt So Good

    Everybody's favorite Emoji is now a slipper. Stepping into Poo never felt so good. Your feet will stay warm, and look adorable in these slippers!

Stepping into Poo Never Felt So Good! 

    My boys love the Poo emoji. They have shirts, stress toys, socks and more featuring this happy bm. Now they have a pair of slippers! 

    These cozy slippers will keep your feet toasty warm. They'll keep the cold floors from making you feet feel cold too! They're nicely padded for cushion and comfort. The dots on the bottom help to keep the wearer from skidding across linoleum or hardwood floors.

Perfect for Tweens, Teens, and Adults 

    These emoji slippers are one size fits all, but are geared towards larger feet. They fit both my tween son, and my adult son. (The tween has room to spare.) If for some reason your kids don't love the Poo emoji, there are other emoji's to choose from!

    They have the tongue out emoji and the one that is showing a toothy grin! You can also choose from panda slippers, or cute and fuzzy sheep. With Easter coming, any of these would make a wonderful addition to your older kids baskets. (They fit me too, so grab yourself a pair too!)