Summer Expectations: Fireworks/Noises/ Parties/Overwhelm

Last summer was a nightmare for Lori and her husband, Jeff.

See, while most families were enjoying the longer days, the awesome weather and more time outdoors …

They were going through hell with their HSC.

Like a lot of highly-sensitive children, their son struggled the minute his daily routine changed.

Which meant he was having constant meltdowns.

In their words, the summer was “a nightmare of boredom, frustration and complaints.”

Lori was feeling upset, helpless, and even started having panic attacks.

And Jeff felt like he was failing her, because no matter what he tried, nothing made the situation better.

Realizing they couldn’t solve this alone, they reached out to us.

We worked together for 8 weeks, and in that time, some amazing things happened.

Their son started listening and cooperating.

The daily meltdowns became less severe … Then less frequent … Then they all but disappeared.

And now?

Well, I checked in with them recently, and the family are loving the summer so far.

Jeff told me they’ve enjoyed summer vacations together. And he and Lori have been able to get a sitter for their son, while they’ve gone out and had date nights as just the two of them.

As for Lori?

She told me:

“Our mornings are stress free. The evening routine is seamless. And the kids have been playing more together.

Car rides are more peaceful. I wake up and he [the son] isn’t the first thing on my mind. I've taken both kids to the grocery store. I don't cringe when Jeff asks to go golfing. Jeff and I have even gone on a date.”

What a change from last year, right?

I love hearing stories like this.

Because it shows just how much can be achieved in such a short space of time.

So if you’re also struggling with daily meltdowns …

And if summer is causing you dread, anxiety and worry, I want to share with you 4 things Lori and Jeff did.

First and foremost, they booked a call with us.

This gave them clarity on exactly where they were, and the steps they needed to help their son.

Obviously, they decided to work with us, because they valued getting results in the quickest, most efficient way possible.

You may do that too … Or you may decide to figure it out on your own.

Either way, the call was their first step.

After that, we helped them with three more summer-specific strategies.

We told them that, as much as possible, they needed to stick to a routine.

Routines will go out the window to a degree over the summer.

But you don’t need to completely let them slide.

Your kid will feel a LOT more comfortable and calm at 80% of their normal routine than only 20%.

So don’t feel that just because you can’t be perfect, that you shouldn’t bother at all.

Next up, we encouraged Lori and Jeff to prepare their son for changes.

HSCs can be resilient and self-sufficient …

But only if you forwarn them of what’s coming.

So take some time with your kiddo to explain there might be sensory changes, or different people, or their normal timings might change.

There might be fireworks. Parties. Lots of noise. And a general sense of overwhelm.

Help them understand it’s okay to feel heightened emotions around any of this …

But show them these emotions are normal.

And that they’re only human if they feel a little anxious, lost or confused.

Finally, we got Lori and Jeff to manage their own expectations.

We told them to not expect perfection, and that this wouldn’t be an overnight process.

They needed to understand there was work to do for everyone.

Work for them …

Work for their son …

And work for us at MTC.

By showing up as a team, working through things strategically,and by  following a proven method personalized for them, Lori and Jeff’s son is like a different person.

He’s still that fun, kind, intelligent, bubbly boy they love …

But he’s a lot calmer, self-sufficient, and to be honest - happier!

Plus, the whole family has benefited, and can now enjoy the summer, instead of wishing it to be over.

If you’d like the same, you know what to do …

Use this link, pick a time to speak with us, and we’ll go through how we can help you and your family.

Talk soon,

Megghan