The last week or so, Olivia has been so frustrated. She comes home from school and tries to tell me something about her day and before she can even try to get the words out, she freaks out and has a complete meltdown. Usually she will try and say something before she freaks out; she gives me a chance to interpret and if I can’t, then she freaks out. But lately? She skips the trying part and goes right to the freaking out part.
Last night, she had a total and complete meltdown. I haven’t seen one of these from her in a long time. She screams and cries and hits and pinches and there’s nothing I can do to help her. Last night, she smacked me across the face really hard I left the room and just let her go. Last night’s lasted for almost 40 minutes. Then she finally calmed down but I still don’t know what she was trying to tell me. I wrote her teacher a note today to see if she knew what Olivia was trying to tell me. It’s very upsetting and I’m not sure what else to do. If I try and bring it up again, she’ll just freak out again.
I can’t imagine how hard it must be for her. To want to say something or express a thought and not be able to? That would drive me insane. We have been so lucky in this area; she has always worked really hard to get her point across and we’ve typically be able to understand her. This is something new. I’m getting worried that something else is going on with her but I’m trying to stay calm.
This motherhood thing isn’t for the weak, is it?
Elastamom's Excerpts 
Oh God. Tiff, that sounds painful. For both of you. ((hugs))
This is so hard! I hope the teacher has some ideas and you can get to the bottom of this. Thinking of you…
No it is not!
I’m not a mom, but I know it isn’t easy! I feel for ya!
Where is the instruction manual on life when you need it???
I can relate to this so much. On a milder level Cayman reacts to when we aren’t understanding her. She bites or slaps. I feel this same way you do. It’s heart wrenching wanting to express something and you can’t. So many times I wish I could crawl in her head and know what’s going on.
I am so sorry that both you and Olivia are going through this. My Olivia gets frustrated too when I just can’t understand her words. I try to patiently tell her to slow down and speak up but sometimes she just shrugs and walks away, defeated. It breaks my heart.
I do wonder, though, if maybe your Olivia is on the brink of some kind of developmental breakthrough and that’s why she’d getting so frustrated. Maybe she can sense that something is about to change for her and she’s excited about it.
I don’t know. All I do know is that whenever one of my kids (even the typical one) has a sudden change in behavior, such as acting out or sleep pattern changes, something big always seems to be right around the corner. I hope this is the case and she gets there soon so she can communicate her thoughts, wishes, dreams to you more easily. Poor Olivia. Poor Mom!
That’s tough Tiffany. Sending some hugs your way.
Praying for a breakthrough. (Tiffany))
Wow Tiff!!! All I have to say is you are pretty amazing! I don’t do good with inflicted pain, and I don’t know if I would be as patient as you are! Olivia is so lucky to have you! Parenthood is freaking rough huh (and I just started… I shouldn’t even be talking. But I know what I did to my parents hahhaha… seriously), and there is nothing that can prepare you, no manual, no nothing! I hope that she is able to express her self. It can be very hard to feel so overwhelmed. Would she like some Hawaiian stickers? I can send her something if it would help.
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for both of you. Olivia trying to communicate, you trying to decipher what she wants. I hope Olivia’s teacher can help.
Saying a little prayer for you today, and hoping sweet Olivia can express herself to you soon. I wish I could live in your shoes for one day, so I could say “I can imagine how this must feel” for you. Enjoy this special weekend with your beautiful family!!
Why all Superheroes aren’t based on Moms, I will never know. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Spinning the world backwards to undo disasters? Hah! Try saving your child from heartbreak! Try understanding the pain of a child who wants to speak and can’t find the words! You, my friend are Elastamom. You are a Superhero. I will pray that Olivia finds the words. But until then, I will pray for your continued strength.
Traci
You are such a good and patient mom to Olivia…God picked *you* to be her mom because He knew she would need a lifetime of love and support like no one else could give her! I love how you are her cheerleader. Prayers being sent your way that you two (and maybe with the help/ideas of her teacher) will figure this out!
Oh sweetie. This has to be so difficult. I hope that the teacher was able to help. I hope that Olivia was able to get her point across. My heart aches for you both. hugs…