Putting on the Grippy Socks

I try not to be “play place people”. I’m not into paying for playing or the litany of unknowns to help Benjamin navigate through. But on this rainy public holiday, with my mind and heart preoccupied with family issues in America, we opened up that play place and stayed until the crowds came. (Less than an hour!)

I was almost jealous of other parents sitting and drinking coffee while their kids played. I had to put on the grippy socks and wedge myself right into the kids' maze - partly because Wyatt wants to do the big boy things his brother does. But mostly because Benjamin relies on me to keep him regulated. So, together, in very small spaces, we practiced bravery, independence and overcoming. We celebrated wins, felt fear, and worked through it. Sugar-free slushees were also involved. At 10am.

On the way home, Benjamin’s face must have been sore from smiling. He said, “I’m SO glad you got to play with me, Mom. It’s so good you didn’t miss out on the fun.” And just like that, I wasn’t jealous of the cappuccino-sipping parents and no longer regretted buying a pair of adult grippy socks. Just like that, we went from being an accommodating special needs family to a family that does things together. I didn't miss out on anything.

It's all about perspective - who you're looking at and what you're looking for.