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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Perfecting Trips to the Amusement Park

Today we arrived at Six Flags at 11:30.  We rode the huge Ferris Wheel, then had our typical lunch (one of the great parts of having a seasons pass of meals both dinner and lunch) of pizza or corn dog (one of each for the kiddos).  We then headed out to Bugs Bunny National Park via the train.  We've got our routine going - this is very typical of our day when we go.  I learned long ago that developing a routine helps Gavin know exactly what to look for, and developing a routine at the park is just as important.

Today things kind of went awry!  We went to the little train and after riding it several times we headed out for something else.  Apparently Gavin wasn't ready to leave, and he wanted to look at the train for some reason.  He ran off from me.  It scared the daylights out of me.  I'm rather overweight, have another small person with me, and catching my zoom boy is difficult at best!  When I finally caught him and put him in the stroller we had a meltdown.  He wanted to go look at the train, and ride it some more.  I was intent on punishing the bad behavior by denying him.  We were both miserable, and Mia just sat by and watched.

About that time I received a phone call from my sister, Joan.  I started to tell her what was happening and she said, "That is why I'm calling!  Our children are very much alike and you should get these books The Explosive Child and What the Explosive Child is Trying to Tell You.  And for right now, let Gavin ride the train.  There is no point in both of you being mad."  We went on to have a great discussion on how today's society has deemed giving into tantrums bad, however what do you do with a child that demands things NOW!   This is part of being a PDD-NOS kid and SPD.  I have to find alternative methods for discipline, and learning to listen to his needs.

We went back on the train, until he began to walk on the tracks (You should have seen the look on the teenagers face that was working the ride).  When I asked him why he did that he told me he was trying to get onto the big train (which had just arrived.)  I said, okay lets go - and once again he was off.  Man that kid gives me heart palpitations!!!

When Gavin wants something he is bound and determined to get it.  It can be a trial keeping him in line, from opening gates, to staying with momma!  After the mess of today I have resolved to be better prepared in the future!

Mom's Bag of Tricks for Six Flags

  1. We went to Toys R Us today and purchased two backpack harnesses for the kids.  Gavin loves his (he feels more like a train pulling a car), Mia likes the backpack but doesn't want to have us hold hers.  I'm thinking for her she will just wear the backpack without the "leash" since she is pretty good about staying with an adult.
  2. In Gavin's backpack I am going to make sure that he has his weighted snake so that he can have the deep pressure, and a toy to play with when he needs one.  I thought about a weighted vest for him, but it is just too hot for that.  It was up to 94 degrees today!
  3. Go to the wave pool!  I'm so glad that it opens on Friday!  As long as someone is holding him he is fine.  
  4. Create a schedule of what rides we go on and which order.  This way we can plan breaks throughout the day.  Taking the train around the park once or twice is an awesome way for him to simmer down (we did that today.  It was a much needed break for both Mommy and Gavin.  Mia liked it too).  
  5. I'm sure this list will grow through time, and practice.  I will come back and edit as needed!