Celebrating The Small Steps

     Hello blogger world! Just a nighttime post of celebrating a good day with minimal meltdowns!  I am still trying to find the right combo this school year to help alleviate the stressors that create multiple daily meltdowns they each have been having. On a side note, there is a difference between a tantrum and a sensory meltdown. For more understanding, check out Tantrums vs. Meltdowns . Today I added a Thera-band (an elastic yoga band I bought off eBay) to the twin's chair at school, where they can kick away to their hearts content! I also added it to 3 of my student's chairs and they loved them too! William actually used it more than Austin in class, which is funny as Austin has more issues with the vestibular system (for more info on more "active" children, click here The Inspred Tree House: Sensory Processing: The Vestibular System). They both completed their homework in the morning, which tends to help with not only focus but minimizes meltdowns due to after school overload and tiredness. I am fortunate to be right next to their classroom at school and can hunt them down at recesses and lunch to reapply essential oils and feed them snacks! Hunger seems to be the biggest stressor these last few weeks. I make sure they have plenty of snack options at school and at home as they are eating hourly lately. I am super proud of them because they have had a substitute for two days which creates a different and louder environment. Also, Austin fell at school (a common occurrence as he is more clumsy...again vestibular system is playing its part) and he was asking to go home after lunch. But they kept on strong! After school came with reminding them of the plans for the afternoon, which helped as well.  I also have a sensory basket I bought for them (and will use for my students who are also showing spectrum issues) which Willy chose to play with. They both keep their blankets and favorite stuffed animal that they sat with after school as well. I was able to work a whole 40 minutes in my classroom without any issues! That's one small step for twins, one giant leap for sensory mom!
    We came home with no arguing in the car and I was even able to get an hour run in by myself! I enjoy the alone time as I seldom get it!  They are both in soccer, of which their dad and older brother coach them twice a week (another awesome hour and a half of mom time!). Austin was having meltdowns before every practice these last two weeks, but I tried to be proactive today and fed them before hand, explained that they can still play when they get home and he did well! William, on the other hand, came home in full meltdown mode, but luckily pancakes and lots of orange juice calmed him down after a half hour. There was a brief crying spree at bedtime, but I know they are just exhausted from a busy day. Austin asked to sleep with Willy in his top bunk, and usually I decline, but sometimes you just need to be reassured your twin is right there.  I am thankful for the hours of non meltdowns we had today! It makes for a happier mom and a calmer home. Here's to another successful day in our sensory filled world!