Guest guest Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 My 12 year old daughter has OCD. She HATED summer camp and was in the nurses office for about three days......I talked to her daily, but she stuck it out. I felt it would be more harmful to " rescue " her. I wanted her to know she could survive. She was excited to go and it was her choice to go, BUT....... I am sure it was the OCD even though the nurse did say there was some illness going around. Anyway, just to tell you her view of school camp is entirely different in that it is compulsory. She viewed summer camp struggles as something she put herself into I think. She was definitely nervous and I am sure she will come home saying she would not choose to go if not required, but I think she will also have accomplished some exposure therapy too. I am praying lots! She gets home tomorrow. I also find that having the nurse give her 1.5 tsp of liquid hydoxizine (atarax) is a lifesaver too. It calms her eczema itching and OCD down considerably! We cannot use it during the day though because it makes her too sleepy. > > Went well for Matt. He said he once got a little " sweaty and dizzy " , but otherwise, he did OK. My 8yr old has been very anxious though (tummy aches) - hopefully it's just the first day jitters!!! > > My biggest worry is the school trip that Matt will be going on with the class for 3 days (Oct. 13). He is worried about being able to do it. We're working on it with the therapist, but I hope it doesn't sabbotage his stability. The kids and teachers are really talking it up (since last spring even). I have been trying to get him to open up about his specific thoughts - to be continued...... > > How are all of your kids managing? > > Bonnie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Hi Bonnie, That is great to hear that your son had a fairly good day!I think it is so much harder for us as parents of special needs children to send them back to school. There are just so many more things for us to worry about! Hugs Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 My son did great the first two days of school! I knew he was nervous because he couldn't eat breakfast, but he did OK! His big issue is being worried that something will happen to me when he's not with me, and if it gets bad, he cries. He said " he felt it coming " as we pulled up to the school, but after school he said he told himself that there was nothing to worry about. I started him on inositol in June, and I really think it's helping him. For some reason, though, he usually does OK at the beginning of school, and his anxiety builds up between the end of Sept/end of Oct, and that's when he starts crying in school. I'm holding my breath until Halloween! I'm so proud of him, because he really challenged himself this summer by doing things that he knew would make him uncomfortable, like going to the pool with our neighbors without me, and going to play at a new friend's house straight from camp. Every time, he said " he felt it coming, " but the feeling would pass pretty quickly. Bonnie, I'm glad to hear that your son is doing OK so far. When is the school trip? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 I think you're right about " rescuing " . I plan on sending him even though I know he's stressed. He has been in the hospital before and they wouldn't allow me to be there every day. This will be fun and he will be with people who know him. The guidance counselor said Matt will stay in his cabin and he's known Matt since kindergarten. I'll pick him up if I have to, but I am determined to help him get ready and try it. It could be a turning point for him in terms of his independence and self-reliance. I also think that it is the best time so far in his life to try. It will be a beautiful time of year in the mountains and appreciates things like that. Honestly though, I wish it were a little further out in the school year as he is adjusting to changing classes for the first time, ect.. Thanks, Bonnie > > > > Went well for Matt. He said he once got a little " sweaty and dizzy " , but otherwise, he did OK. My 8yr old has been very anxious though (tummy aches) - hopefully it's just the first day jitters!!! > > > > My biggest worry is the school trip that Matt will be going on with the class for 3 days (Oct. 13). He is worried about being able to do it. We're working on it with the therapist, but I hope it doesn't sabbotage his stability. The kids and teachers are really talking it up (since last spring even). I have been trying to get him to open up about his specific thoughts - to be continued...... > > > > How are all of your kids managing? > > > > Bonnie > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 I know what you mean about Sept into Oct., we've had that too in the past. The springtime is by far the worst however. Glad your son is doing OK too. Sounds like separation anxiety. Is he clingy at home too (if you go upstairs he follows?). We've had some of that at bedtime with my daughter and we deal with it by telling her to look at her clock and that we'll be back to check on her in 5 mins (she can't come out of her room), then we increase it to 10 mins, then 15. We never get to 20 because she falls asleep. Maybe you can work on that sort of thing in various situations at home and perhaps you'll find that it helps at school too? Also, make a list with him of the accomplishments he made in the summer and pull it out when you hear the negativity. I did this with Matt and am using it as we talk about the trip. The trip is on Oct 13 to the 15th. Bonnie > > My son did great the first two days of school! I knew he was nervous because he couldn't eat breakfast, but he did OK! His big issue is being worried that something will happen to me when he's not with me, and if it gets bad, he cries. He said " he felt it coming " as we pulled up to the school, but after school he said he told himself that there was nothing to worry about. I started him on inositol in June, and I really think it's helping him. For some reason, though, he usually does OK at the beginning of school, and his anxiety builds up between the end of Sept/end of Oct, and that's when he starts crying in school. I'm holding my breath until Halloween! > > I'm so proud of him, because he really challenged himself this summer by doing things that he knew would make him uncomfortable, like going to the pool with our neighbors without me, and going to play at a new friend's house straight from camp. Every time, he said " he felt it coming, " but the feeling would pass pretty quickly. > > Bonnie, I'm glad to hear that your son is doing OK so far. When is the school trip? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Hi Bonnie, Yes, he definitely has separation anxiety. It started almost right after I had a car accident when he was 3 1/2. So now he worries about me anytime he has to be away from me. And then the OCD kicks in and he gets stuck on the idea that something bad happened to me. It got really bad after my dad died last year, and he was crying at school everyday, because he was afraid I would die when he wasn't with me. He's fine at home, though. No following me around, although he always makes sure he knows where I am. I keep a journal for myself of all his ups and downs, so I do remind him of all his triumphs. Somehow, those are always " not the same thing " in his eyes. But he's going through a really good time right now, so for that I am so grateful. I wish I didn't always feel like I'm waiting for the next shoe to drop, though. That's one of the worst parts of OCD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 So far, , my second grader is doing really well.? Although, she did come home yesterday and say " Good news.? Brook's mom brought in a big bottle of hand sanitizer. " ? Sigh. 1st day of school Went well for Matt. He said he once got a little " sweaty and dizzy " , but otherwise, he did OK. My 8yr old has been very anxious though (tummy aches) - hopefully it's just the first day jitters!!! My biggest worry is the school trip that Matt will be going on with the class for 3 days (Oct. 13). He is worried about being able to do it. We're working on it with the therapist, but I hope it doesn't sabbotage his stability. The kids and teachers are really talking it up (since last spring even). I have been trying to get him to open up about his specific thoughts - to be continued...... How are all of your kids managing? Bonnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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