Coping: Jack - parents will do just about anything
“The first time I was placed on the dining room table on top of my lamb’s wool, little did I know it was to be the start of a daily routine that was to continue for a large part of my life.
One person would hold my head and the other two people hold a leg and arm each. These people would start to sing nursery rhymes and gently move my head from side to side, while my arms and legs were moved in a crawling movement. I could feel the rub of the lamb’s wool… it felt strange to feel my arms and legs moving that way. After about thirty seconds of this, I’ve had enough of all this fuss. I stiffened my legs, neck and arms… screamed as loud as I could... that put an end to that.
I was put back on the floor where I had so many misadventures: bumping, crashing, falling was all part of my day. I understood some words. My crawling wasn’t that good… I sort of did a number of lunges to move forward. I loved pulling myself up to stand… I would take a few steps, lose balance and fall over… if only I could walk.
Again and again I was put back on the dining room table with my lamb’s wool. My head, arms and legs were moved in that strange crawling way. Each time, I felt my arms and legs being rubbed against the lamb’s wool. It was uncomfortable and pleasant at the same time. Again and again, I protested and before I knew it, this was happening to me four times a day. All these people would appear and make me do this strange routine... why are they doing this to me?
After eighteen months I got used to the practice. During this time I gradually stopped bumping and crashing into things. I can now sit without falling over, focus both my eyes, pull the cord of my music box and say, ‘Dadda-up’. I understand a lot of new words, recognise familiar toys and can eat toast from my left hand. My crawling now gets me to places I want to go. But most of all, I can walk… boy do I love to walk!
After eighteen months I have seen many people, heard so many songs and met so many people.
You know, I think all those people might have had something to do with me being able to walk”.
Lessons learned
Coping strategies for the entire family and individuals are often overlooked.
Parental attitude, intuition and effort play major roles with developing effective coping strategies.
An effective coping strategy depends on the range and availability of helpful support services.