So what's new???
B started 3rd grade - nope, not a typo. THIRD grade. She was pretty happy and check out her outfit - is she a trendsetter or what? I love those Boden yellow pants (they are SOOOO bright - this picture doesn't even begin to show the yellowness)!
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| First Day of Third Grade! |
B has had some major anxiety issues this year - to the point of Separation Anxiety Disorder - it had become almost unbearable until we started therapy and found this book:
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety
B's anxiety stems from a lot of things, but primarily our divorce as well as her allergies. Even though she's in a safe environment both at home and at school (her teacher and school are pretty great) she still just worries, plain and simple. But these worries were affecting her quality of life (and ours) so we needed to do something.
If you have a child with anxiety issues, buy it. I can't put into words how highly I regard this book. We still have a ways to go, but after just a week we were seeing tremendous changes in B. These exercises, coupled with a more structured schedule as well as a lot more sleep in her life have made a huge difference. Each week we are seeing a stronger, more confident (and worry free) child emerge.
The other issue we dealt with this summer was Alopecia Areata - have you heard of it? Luckily, at this point she has a mild case of this. She had a small patch about the size of a silver dollar (remember those LOL) at the top of her head that has thankfully grown back, but boy was that scary! I've seen things online that indicate that kids with allergies and eczema are prone to this. And kids with stress in their lives (hmm that sounds familiar). If your child had this, can you leave me a comment? I'd be interested to know how you treated it. Ironically (am I using that word correctly? probably not), once we STOPPED using the cream the doctor prescribed, her hair starting growing back. I think working on her anxiety and stress worked too. We'll keep an eye out, but at this point she's in the clear for now. Whew.
Other than that, things are good.
Still (technically) married, but that shouldn't be the case by the end of the year. Divorce, in case you didn't know, really sucks. Even when you agree on everything financial, custody, support, etc. It takes forever (at least it seems like it does) and there's so much paperwork. I don't recommend it if you can avoid it.
I'm still coaching folks - it's going really well! I was really overwhelmed by the number of folks that have contacted me. If you're interested in a session, shoot me an email - I'd love to help you out. I have something in the works for folks with tight schedules - look for an announcement in the coming months (here of course, but sooner on Facebook, who am I kidding?).
Take care everyone - Happy September!!!
Gabs
3 comments:
Thank you for the book suggestion! J has anxiety issues. Started in April when he had his reaction at the old school but got better over the summer. But I see it cropping back up again due to the new school and the new baby. Too much change for him all at once. I thought about taking him to a therapist and found one that I think I like. Ordering the book now...
I just ordered the book, but even more, I finally read your coaching tab on this blog. I will pass along the word--you can be a life saver to sanity for many!
Thanks for the comments you two! Janeen, I hope this helps with Little man - kids just seem to have the weight of the world on their shoulders already and then adding FA to the mix doesn't help at all.
Grateful Foodie - THANK YOU! I hope you enjoy the book too. It has really helped. And thanks for your kind words about my coaching - it really is nice to talk to new parents and reassure them that they WILL get through this. Any referrals are greatly appreciated! :)
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