Tears and tantrums

So, we have been having a bit of a tough time lately, lots of tears and meltdowns since returning to school after the Christmas break. There is usually something that triggers it and on this occasion it has stemmed from a change in her support at school. 

She's had the same Teaching Assistant (TA) for the past 4 years and was very attached to her. They had a tight bond, always joking and laughing together. My daughter has a wicked sense of humour and Mrs B just got her. Katelyn would always call her by her first name Hazel, rather than Mrs B as is school rules. Due to personal circumstances Mrs B reluctantly decided to take early retirement. 

Katelyn has realised Mrs B is no longer at school but she doesn't have the language to ask any questions, so before she went back to school I had to explain it to her in a way she would get. I told her that when grown ups get old they stop working because they need lots of rest as they get tired easily. I'm sure Mrs B would see the humour in this, she's only 54! We will be keeping in touch with Mrs B but I want to leave a bit of time before we see her so that Katelyn has time to adjust and build a bond with her new TA.

Intro

This is my story about life with my special needs child. This is us, age 34 and 9...

I often find myself explaining to other mums how different it is looking after my child with special needs compared to theirs, her peers.

Me: "she was hard work this morning"

Them: "they're all hard work in the morning"

Me: "I know, but she can be more difficult due to her special needs"

Them: "what's wrong with her?" (I explain again)

Me: "she has developmental delays which means although she's 10 she only has the speech and understanding of a much younger child"

Them: "Oh, well don't worry my child can't do certain things yet either"

Me: "No, it's more than that, she needs a lot of care and support especially at school." 

Them: "Don't worry she'll get there"