I don’t know if this is my fault or just the way Ashton is, but he is a very clean kid, verging on OCD. He freaks out if his hands are sticky, he really hates it when he spills on himself, he likes his room to be clean when he goes to bed, and he puts everything in the correct place at the store (if there’s something sitting in the aisle out of place, he has to put it where it goes).
Sooo lately I won’t wash his hands immediately and I let him spill all over himself and I am being very aware of my reactions to messes and dirtiness. I think we’re making some progress. In the car, he drinks water out of a water bottle. In a moving vehicle he usually ends up with a soaking wet t-shirt. I always say “Oh wow! Does that feel good, buddy? Are you all cooled off?” The other day he was drinking chocolate milk and he poured it down the front of his shirt and said “That feels good, Mom!”
Here is another step to overcoming OCD. Ashton painted this train all by himself…mostly (he TAUGHT me how to do it and insisted that I paint also). I know, I did have to put an apron on him and cover the table…that’s not too crazy, is it? Anyhoo, he was so cute and did such a great job and his hands were completely messy the whole time.
by Jess, on September 15 2008 @ 12:04 pm
That sounds a lot like another little fella named Andrew. He wouldn’t eat unless he did “mark it with a B” on his hand, then he would spread out a napkin perfectly then lay out his food on it. I was worried, but it’s actually a developmental stage and they like the order. It makes them feel secure. Anyway, long comment, but I think your therapy “sessions” are also a good way of letting him feel security even when things aren’t perfect. But don’t worry, even after this stage, I don’t see “slob” in his future.
by Krissy, on September 15 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Oh man I would take the OCD any day of the week. If I could get any one of my kids to wipe their hands, face, or clean their room with out a fight it would be HEAVEN!