Guest guest Posted July 5, 2000 Report Share Posted July 5, 2000 Sheri: We live in Fountain Valley, CA (not too far from Del Mar, CA). My daughter Casey is 6 1/2 months and has been wearing her helmet for 3 weeks now. The first day, she was very sad about having to wear it. To make things easy, I wear a helmet when I'm around her. Now she thinks (me and Mommy wear helmets). My Nanny even wears one (her choice, not because I made her). My reason for doing so was 1) she likes to do whatever Mommy does and 2) it gets the stares off of her and unto me. My husband laughs at me still because I wear one, but hey when we are out in public, people don't even notice Casey...they are too busy looking at Mommy. One night, we went to Togos for a sandwich. The help at the counter could barely contain herself while taking my order. EVERYONE in the sandwich place looked at me wierd. When we walked across the parking lot, a group of 4 adults in a sedan said " hey what're the helmets for " . Nonetheless, my objective was met. I got the attention off Casey and unto me. I do admit, we've had people come up to us (total strangers) and stare asking all sorts of questions. Maybe it's just a California thing . At any rate, I've gotten a lot of. Even family members and friends say " how can I put her through that " ....puhleez!!! These people are make me sad. I sometimes think, what if my daughter were mentally challenged. She's still a person with feelings. At times, I've taken the time to " educate " people out there on plagio, but some people are too damn ignorant it's not worth my time. I figure, what's 4 months in a helmet versus a life time of ridicule when she's older. Plus when I try to educate people, some people get offended. Well, take care and good luck with your treatment. in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2000 Report Share Posted July 5, 2000 Dear : IM so impressed by your story. My daughter MAI is going to get her helmet soon. I don't know if I could ever do what your doing for your daughter. (wearing a helmet my self). Your an inspiration to all of us. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2000 Report Share Posted July 5, 2000 Hi Sherri, I'm glad Skylar is doing well. I hate when people stare. I would rather that they ask, although like you said, I would never have enough nerve to do it. But then again I wouldn't stare either. You are correct when you say you are educating them. I feel the same way. I hope Skylar continues to do well. goes next Tuesday for a helmet check. I feel she will probably wear it at least another month. Her first birthday is on Aug 11. Maybe it will be off by then! Amy :-) ----- Original Message ----- From: Sherri Walsh <shwalsh@...> <Plagiocephalyegroups> Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2000 11:36 AM Subject: Stares & Quest.'s > Hi everyone: > > My little Skylar got his band on Friday. He adjusted very well. He > slept all night the first night...he's so good and seems to adapt to > anything. Monday I took it off again and checked his head in the > morning. He had to very severe red spots, in the back (the part that > needs the most pressure) and on the side close to the velcroe strap. > Margaret at Cranio Tech told me to leave it off for 2 nights and let the > spots fade. Wow, what a difference...they are gone! It took about a day > and a half. My husband and I took our kids to the Del Mar Fair Sunday > eve. (so it would be cooler for Skylar). I didn't get any questions > until I took him out of his stroller, no one noticed him until then. I > had five people walk up and ask me " What is wrong with your baby? " in a > period of about 2 hours. That was our first public outing since he got > the band on Friday. It doesn't bother me that they ask, I just tell > them why he has to wear it, although I did think to myself that those > people have a lot of nerve. I know that I would never walk up to a > perfect stranger and ask them what was wrong with there precious baby. > I just think that people are alot more forward these days. They just > should be glad that I'm not overly sensitive about it, otherwise I could > have given them an ear full. I guess I just need to think of it as > educating them. Sorry for the long message, just had to tell you all > about my experience. Take Care. > > Sherri & Skylar > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Free Conference Calling with Firetalk! > Click Here! > 1/5480/5/_/689409/_/962821602/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2000 Report Share Posted July 5, 2000 To : You go girl!!!! What a great idea! Give your precious little one a big hug from us! Donna and (1/4/99) JenMetrose@... wrote: Sheri:We live in Fountain Valley, CA (not too far from Del Mar, CA).My daughter Casey is 6 1/2 months and has been wearing her helmet for 3 weeks now. The first day, she was very sad about having to wear it. To make things easy, I wear a helmet when I'm around her. Now she thinks (me and Mommy wear helmets). My Nanny even wears one (her choice, not because I made her).My reason for doing so was 1) she likes to do whatever Mommy does and 2) it gets the stares off of her and unto me.My husband laughs at me still because I wear one, but hey when we are out in public, people don't even notice Casey...they are too busy looking at Mommy. One night, we went to Togos for a sandwich. The help at the counter could barely contain herself while taking my order. EVERYONE in the sandwich place looked at me wierd. When we walked across the parking lot, a group of 4 adults in a sedan said "hey what're the helmets for". Nonetheless, my objective was met. I got the attention off Casey and unto me. I do admit, we've had people come up to us (total strangers) and stare asking all sorts of questions. Maybe it's just a California thing . At any rate, I've gotten a lot of. Even family members and friends say "how can I put her through that"....puhleez!!! These people are make me sad. I sometimes think, what if my daughter were mentally challenged. She's still a person with feelings.At times, I've taken the time to "educate" people out there on plagio, but some people are too damn ignorant it's not worth my time. I figure, what's 4 months in a helmet versus a life time of ridicule when she's older. Plus when I try to educate people, some people get offended.Well, take care and good luck with your treatment. in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2000 Report Share Posted July 5, 2000 Donna and : Thanks for the nice words. My husband thinks I can stop wearing the helmet now and maybe I can. Casey is so use to the helmet now, she probably wouldn't notice but hey, like I said what's 4 months. Plus I really only wear it a few hours a day. I work full time and then Casey usuallly visits grandparents for the day on the weekend. I'm quite use to wearing the helmet myself. The biggest thing is it hurts me terribly when people stare at her and ask ignorant questions. So I'll make a spectacle of myself for now. Take Care, in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 : Good luck with your daughter's treatment. Thanks so much for your nice words. This entire group has been a blessing. We debated on helmet therapy for many reasons, but reading everyone's story gave me the courage to do this. Everyone has been an inspiration to me. I really was afraid of what people were going to say, etc. etc. And as you read, I've heard a lot of annoying comments, but hey 4 months versus a lifetime of ridicule, when it's all done, my whole family will laugh about it. At any rate, my daughter resisted the helmet terribly. She got it on a very hot day which made it worse. Since day 1, she's been fascinated by everything I do (from putting on make up in the morning to doing the dishes at night)...I knew my wearing one would make her feel like she was being like Mommy. It's pretty funny plus, as mentioned, it's only a few hours a day. We don't normally bring her to " adult " events like weddings, showers, etc. so at those type of outings I'm without my hat Have a nice day, in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Donna: Your grocery store story brought tears to my eyes. I've had lots of little ones make comments, too. They always seem to laugh, or stare or say something out so loud! Just as you experienced, after the child makes a comment, everyone starts to look and the parents say " don't stare " but the parents do. For the people who ask, I always explain plagio very politely but I normally get the response " didn't you know to turn her? " , " did you put her on her stomach to play " , my favorite comment which I hear most from friends and some family... " well your a new mom " . I think my wearing a helmet annoys the people who know me. For the people who don't know me, they think I'm strange and never notice Casey. I live in Southern California with millions of other people. I NEVER run into the same people so the comments and stares directed towards me are easy to blow off (but it still hurts in side when they stare at Casey). Thanks for sharing your story. I know that was hurtful. I think most of us have gone through that type of situation. It's just wonderful to have people to share this all with. It has given me stregnth. in Foutain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Kendra: Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking of doing that, but I kind of enjoy coming up with quick one liners to the rude people and taking my time to explain plagio to the nice people. But I may still make a flyer. Thanks foryour input. Jen in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 : Try making a hand-out that you can keep in the diaper bag/purse. That way you can simply give one to anyone who stares or asks a question. I have found this very helpful. It makes you feel kind of good when someone is blatantly gawking and you can just hand them something. #1 maybe they'll learn something, and #2 maybe they'll be more polite to the next person. Also, when someone asks politely what is wrong, everything you want to say about it is right there. You don't have to stumble over your words or spout off for 1/2 an hour (I feel like I go on FOREVER when I'm talking to people about it!!) You can find a few examples of hand-outs in the files section. kendra JenMetrose@... wrote: Sheri: We live in Fountain Valley, CA (not too far from Del Mar, CA). My daughter Casey is 6 1/2 months and has been wearing her helmet for 3 weeks now. The first day, she was very sad about having to wear it. To make things easy, I wear a helmet when I'm around her. Now she thinks (me and Mommy wear helmets). My Nanny even wears one (her choice, not because I made her). My reason for doing so was 1) she likes to do whatever Mommy does and 2) it gets the stares off of her and unto me. My husband laughs at me still because I wear one, but hey when we are out in public, people don't even notice Casey...they are too busy looking at Mommy. One night, we went to Togos for a sandwich. The help at the counter could barely contain herself while taking my order. EVERYONE in the sandwich place looked at me wierd. When we walked across the parking lot, a group of 4 adults in a sedan said "hey what're the helmets for". Nonetheless, my objective was met. I got the attention off Casey and unto me. I do admit, we've had people come up to us (total strangers) and stare asking all sorts of questions. Maybe it's just a California thing . At any rate, I've gotten a lot of. Even family members and friends say "how can I put her through that"....puhleez!!! These people are make me sad. I sometimes think, what if my daughter were mentally challenged. She's still a person with feelings. At times, I've taken the time to "educate" people out there on plagio, but some people are too damn ignorant it's not worth my time. I figure, what's 4 months in a helmet versus a life time of ridicule when she's older. Plus when I try to educate people, some people get offended. Well, take care and good luck with your treatment. in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 , you are my hero! You should be profiled on the show "The Things We Do For Love". I think the worst experience I had with and the helmet was one day we were out grocery shopping. This little boy (he must have been about 6 years old) came over to my little guy, pointed at his helmet and began to laugh really loud. Everyone looked, and a few were whispering. I left the store with tears in my eyes. I don't think I'll ever forget that day and all the hurt I felt. Thank God didn't know what was going on. I know the boy was young and I probably should have handled it differentely, but in the heat of the moment I just wanted to get my innocent baby away from this child. Sorry to go on about that. I'm sure everyone has lots of stories similar to mine. Take care! Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 I agree, it is tough to deal with ignorant people. I have actually found that the younger ones are more polite, because they actually come up and something like " why is he wearing that? " when the parents don't have the courage to. I think people just don't think before they speak. Especially with new or odd situations. We actually get soooooo many stares and rude comments about our family size (we have 4 kids under 4 1/2. Two girls and twin infant boys.) I guess with all the commotion about all of the kids, 's band gets lost in the confusion. I find that people are naturally curious, but they just need to think before they speak. AND to think how they would feel if someone made such comments to them. We all need to keep our heads up and focus on the goal....round heads!!!! Keep the coping stories coming! Sue ----- Original Message ----- From: <JenMetrose@...> <Plagiocephalyegroups> Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2000 11:26 PM Subject: Re: Stares & Quest.'s > Donna: > > Your grocery store story brought tears to my eyes. I've had lots of little > ones make comments, too. They always seem to laugh, or stare or say > something out so loud! Just as you experienced, after the child makes a > comment, everyone starts to look and the parents say " don't stare " but the > parents do. > > For the people who ask, I always explain plagio very politely but I normally > get the response " didn't you know to turn her? " , " did you put her on her > stomach to play " , my favorite comment which I hear most from friends and some > family... " well your a new mom " . > > I think my wearing a helmet annoys the people who know me. For the people > who don't know me, they think I'm strange and never notice Casey. I live in > Southern California with millions of other people. I NEVER run into the same > people so the comments and stares directed towards me are easy to blow off > (but it still hurts in side when they stare at Casey). > > Thanks for sharing your story. I know that was hurtful. I think most of us > have gone through that type of situation. It's just wonderful to have people > to share this all with. It has given me stregnth. > > in Foutain Valley, CA > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Who invented Gatorade -- and what part did it play in > winning the1967 Orange Bowl? Find out the true facts at > 1/6212/5/_/689409/_/962853990/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Sue: I'm envious of your family size. We only have 1 baby girl and I would love another little one but my husband isn't sure. It's busy when you're raising them, but 30 years from now you'll probably be surronded with lots of grand kids and lots of love. God Bless you and your husband on your " family size " . People who stare are probably envious like me in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 : Thanks for the advice about you wearing the helmet, that is so cute. I agree about the ignorant people, I've already come across a few of them. I am with you 100% on the 4 months of treatment vs. the lifetime of ridicule. Other people have no clue...Thanks again. Take Care. Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Amy: Thanks for your message. I hope 's check goes well....tell her an early " Happy 1st Birthday " from Skylar and myself. Take Care: Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 : You are great for doing that. It's terrific. What hurts me the most about Skylar is that he is so darn cute with beautiful blue eyes and instead of seeing that they see his helmet. I love your idea. Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Kendra: I thought about keeping handouts in the stroller, my husband laughed...it was kind of a joke between us. But now that you mention that you do that, it doesn't sound so silly, people really do do it. I feel the same way...that I can go on forever when someone asks me a question, this way I can hand it out and keep walking. What a way to educate others on it. Thanks. Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Donna: That would hurt your feelings. I probably would have cried right there in front of him, you handled yourself very well. I guess these things make us stronger, huh? It is best that the babies don't know what's going on...could you imagine? Some teenage boys were walking by us the other day and looked over. The yelled out, Whoa! What happend to his head?, they were really loud...so of course everyone else had to stare too...I know what you mean about wanting to walk away out of the situation. Sorry you had to be put through that.. Take Care. Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 : That makes me so mad, some of the comments that you said you get. I have gotten a couple of those myself. Although next time they tell you " well your a new mom " tell them I have a 3 year old also, and her head and face are and were always perfect. My second baby is the one with Tort and Plagio, they don't even know what they're talking about. uugh! Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Sue: That is crazy, who ever asked anyone's opinion about your family size? Some people! I think it's great! Take Care Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Sherri: Another plus is that if the person you give the hand-out to happens to know someone with this condition, they can give them your flyer without trying to remember what you told them. I also listed this email group and websites on my flyer. No more digging for a pen to give the addresses to other people! Kendra Sherri Walsh wrote: Kendra: I thought about keeping handouts in the stroller, my husband laughed...it was kind of a joke between us. But now that you mention that you do that, it doesn't sound so silly, people really do do it. I feel the same way...that I can go on forever when someone asks me a question, this way I can hand it out and keep walking. What a way to educate others on it. Thanks. Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Sherri: I share your thoughts about people not being able to see your babies face, but noticing the helmet instead. Funny thing for me is, now when I see babies (without helmets/bands) I look at their heads rather than their faces. Before telling someone what a beautiful baby they have, I first say what a beautiful head. People without the plagio issues don't quite have the same appreciation Take Care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Sherri: Good advice....telling people I have another child. I don't know why that never dawned on me. Oh another one I hear a lot is " oh, you must have laid your baby on her back " ...One day I heard this from 3 different Mom's in the waiting room of the pediatrician's office, the RNP and the doctor who saw us that day. This was all in 1 hours time. The RNP and doctor really annoyed me, I would have thought they would had something " medical " to say rather than comment that I'm laying her on her back TOO much. Have a nice night. in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Kendra: Great idea! Thanks for all the info. I will look in the Files section for handouts. Take Care.. Sherri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 In a message dated 7/5/00 8:14:41 PM Pacific Daylight Time, kbgarv@... writes: << Try making a handout >> Now that summer weather has finally hit our area, we have been out quite a bit. All of the stares made me think, I want to have a T-shirt printed that says " He Has Plagio, ASK ME!! " Belinda (Indiana) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 Good one Belinda! in Fountain Valley, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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