I mentioned in an earlier post today about the difficulties Emmett faves with his shoes and socks.

There was a brief conversation that took place after therapy yesterday, while myself and two of Emmett’s therapists were trying to help him with his shoes and socks.

I feel that the take away message from this parenting trial is something people really need to take to heart.

Emmett was so upset over his shoes and socks feeling funny, he was on a razors edge between being really upset and a full on meltdown.

The discussion I had with both is therapists, touched on the fact that Emmett is in absolute distress when these things arise.

This isn’t a child that doesn’t want to wear shoes an socks because he’s being difficult. This is a child that desperately wants to wear his shoes and socks but he can’t because they drive him crazy.

This is a total sensory thing and forcing him to wear them is only going to make things worse.

We can work on desensitizing him to them over time but forcing him to put his shoes and socks on just isn’t the right thing to do.

That’s a really important thing to understand when it comes to some of these things because while some kids may tolerate a more forceful approach, that will not work for everyone, especially when sensory issues are involved.

Kids with sensory issues need compassion, patience, flexibility and understanding.

Imagine how uncomfortable it is to walk around with a pebble in your shoe.  It’s uncomfortable at the least and painful at its worst.

Imagine if you felt that a hundred times more intense, every time you tried to wear shoes and socks.  While there aren’t any rocks in Emmett’s shoes, his brain is misinterpreting the sensory input as pain and discomfort.

Forcing him to put his shoes and socks on, regardless of what our schedule may dictate, would be like forcing someone else to walk around all day with rocks in their shoes.

There is no easy button when it comes to things like this.  Schedules may have to be adjusted at times and your patience will be tested.

No matter how frustrating it is for me as a parent, I always try to remember that it’s significantly worse for Emmett. He didn’t ask for this and it’s certainly not his fault.

Just something to think about…..