A friend's post (
http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/2012/04/unlabeled.html) got me thinking about this again today. When Jack looks in the mirror, he likes what he sees. He likes to look at his reflection in mirrors, in glass, on shiny surfaces. When he washes his hands in the bathroom and glimpses himself in the mirror, he takes a good long look and declares, "so handsome!" Because he still doesn't express himself well enough, I don't know if he says "so handsome" because we've said it so much or because he truly finds himself so nice to look at. Jack's craniofacial surgeon says Jack is old enough and big enough and can have his midface operation. We are trying put it off as long as possible. Dr. Fearon says we can wait as long as Jack does not develop a breathing issue (we've got the Bipap for his sleep apnea already) or when he develops a self esteem issue. I don't think we have a
self esteem issue. Jack seems to like himself a lot and he does not seem very interested in anyone else's opinions except those who are close and love him dearly. But I'm a mom so I worry a little (okay I worry a lot!). I hope that we have given him a firm, loving foundation built on the knowledge that he was designed by God for a special purpose and gifted to us to love and adore and help him. But have we gone overboard in telling him how wonderful we think he is?
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5 comments:
I love that you have been updating so much! I also love that Jack loves what he sees in the mirror so much and recognizes what a great looking kid he is. Trust your heart with the surgery you'll know if/when it needs to happen.
Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve really missed blogging and the connection to other bloggers so I’m hoping to keep it going again.
I don't think a mom can ever go overboard - and not to sound like our kiddos need it more, but especially with our special kids. All we want is for them to be happy and if Jack is happy then you are doing your job! The fact that he doesn't seem to care what others think of him means you are providing him with the right types of encouragement and right doses of love. Now if everyone could just be as self-assured as Jack...the world would be a much better place. Keep it up momma! :)
I think it's fabulous that he is so confident in himself. It is our job to instill confidence in our children so that they have the strength to take what the world has to throw at them - you're doing an awesome job!!
Thank you Taryn and Rachel! I truly hope that Jack has a very strong foundation of being loved and accepted for who he is so that when he does become more social he continues to be as confident as he is now.
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