He is able to express more of his nervousness (and other feelings) through speech.
For him (and us), this is a huge relief. It means that there is significantly less screaming, and that Chris and I can have the opportunity and privilege of helping him make sense of situations that make him nervous.
Sometimes it can be taxing though...
About three weeks ago, Chris boiled over a pot while making macaroni and cheese. From Anthony's perspective, it was pretty traumatic. It sounded loud when the water boiled over, it looked scary with all the bubbling water running over the stove, and it smelled bad.
Last week was Spring Break, and Anthy has had a bit more anxiety since Tuesday readjusting to the school schedule.
Luckily, he has been able to talk about it...kind of...
Mainly, he talks about the pot boiling over. He talks to us about the pot boiling over often...very often. We (as patiently as we can manage) keep encouraging him to vocalize.
We listen to him.
("Daddy boiled the pot over with macaroni.")
We respond, trying to comfort and give context and predictability.
("Yes, Daddy boiled the pot over. The pot was too small. Next time, he will use the big pot.")
We listen again.
("Daddy madeamistake. He learnedalesson.")
We respond again.
("Yes, whenever we make a mistake, we learn from it.")
Sometimes he talks to us, and sometimes he opens the cabinet and talks to the pot.
("Daddy boiled you over with macaroni. You are cool now. I can touch you ifIwant.")
This morning we had about 20 minutes of the pot/macaroni conversation...then he got quiet.
Anthy: "What's that noise?"
Me: "Those are the birds. It's spring! Yay! Don't they sound great?"
Anthy: "They are loud."
Me: "Do you want to talk to them?"
(Goal: always talk about what's bothering you, preferably to the one that's doing the bothering.)
So, he walks over to the window and holds on to the windowsill.
"HEY! BIRDS!"
*long pause while he thinks about what he wants to say*
"Don't use the small pot for macaroni..."
As I left the room trying to stifle my laughter, all I could think was that I am SO proud of him...
