Thursday, May 15, 2008

a bit of mommy rambling

I'm feeling a bit worried this morning. Of course, I know better than to let it show. See, today is the Author's Tea. Max and all his kindergarten classmates have been working very hard over the past few weeks to write stories, complete with illustrations of course, for the Author's Tea. Parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. are all invited to attend the event, at which each author will stand and read his/her story to the audience.

I'm predicting total meltdown. Yes, there's a minute possibility that I will be pleasantly surprised, but really that's just not likely. Max hates, detests, loathes being the center of attention. He cannot stand for people to look at him. He breaks down when people laugh at something he says or does, even if he's trying to be funny. Even with us, his parents and siblings.

As parents, so often you question "Is this typical kid stuff? Or is this a real problem?" It's not always easy to know the difference. You don't want to make a big deal out of something and cause them even more stress. But you don't want to ignore "a problem" when you could be doing something to help either. And I really am beginning to wonder if Maxidoodle doesn't have some real anxiety issues going on here.

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for him, will you?

***

Max and I had a fun time last evening. Rich took Annie and Gray to the Science Exploration event, so it was just me and the Maxidoodle for the evening. We made a big bowl of popcorn, and snuggled up on the floor with his mimis (his blankets...and when he grows out of calling them "mimis" I think I'll cry) to watch a movie. He chose Cats & Dogs...because well, nothing much counts if it doesn't involve a cat. But as cute as this movie is, it just didn't quite sit well with Max. If you've seen it, you know that the cats are the villains trying to take over the world, while the dogs are the good guys trying to prevent disaster. This goes against all that Maxwell believes!

***


This is the little sweetie pie on Mother's Day presenting me with the gift he made me.

12 comments:

~**Dawn**~ said...

Fingers are crossed for him that his day goes well, and that you are guided to handle any of his concerns should they arise. =)

Eva said...

I'll keep my fingers crossed. :) I'm one of the very, very lucky few who have no problem at all with public speaking; almost all of my friends and family think I'm freakish for that. If it makes you feel better, apparently doing a poll in America, people's number one fear was public speaking, while death was number two! (I read that in a book ages ago)

It must be so difficult to be a parent, and trying to decide what's fine and what needs help. Kudos to you.

Anonymous said...

I totally understand how Max feels too. And, I understand how you feel...lol!

Keeping my fingers crossed and sending all the positive vibes I can to you both! :)

Keep us posted, ok?

Jean said...

I'm assuming you've talked with Max's teacher about how he might act or react? She may have insight into the issue. Does he act this way when it's just the class--teacher and other kids, but no parents or family members there? She might be able, too, to give him some strategies for dealing with it such as suggesting that he's just acting the part of Max the author in a play. Then, if people laugh, they're laughing at the character Max not the person. And who knows, it may turn out just fine. I had the heepie-jeebies about Steve's following Don on the high school academic team, worried what an act he had to live up to. Yeah, right! Steve was a more than worthy successor to his big brother. In other words, don't sweat it until it comes to pass. Max may amaze you and do just fine.

Jennifer said...

Oh, I so get the meltdown part - that would be me when I was younger. I still get that way sometimes, but can handle it much better now days.
And I so understand how you are feeling as a mom! I hope all goes well and he breezes through it - for both of your sakes!

Look at what a cutie pie he is!!

Anonymous said...

fingers are crossed and good luck!

and that is just the cutest little photo...!

Ana S. said...

I'll keep my fingers crossed, Debi. Hopefully it will be okay. And don't worry, time will tell if it's a real problem or not, and if it turns out to be out, it won't be too late to help him.

For the record, I'm terrified of public speaking myself. I had to present a project at a mini-conference last week, and I was literally feeling sick with anxiety all day.

As for Cats and Dogs, it goes against everything I believe too :P

Ana S. said...

*turns out to be one

Grrr...why can I only detect my typos after clicking "publish comment"?

chrisa511 said...

Fingers crossed here for little Max! Let us know how he does. I despise public speaking...absolutely hate it. Always have. I had to present a poster or research I did at a national conference when I was in my Master's Program and I literally thought I was going to faint. That has to be rough on the little guy. But any effort he makes shows strength in his character since it's so hard for him, so pat him on the back for that. Cute pic :)

Anonymous said...

I'm hoping, hoping, hoping that all went well. We have the same issues with Jacob, as I'm sure you know - he would either clam up in the same situation or make totally off-the-wall an inappropriate noises and faces.

If I were Max's teacher, I don't think I would make the kids do the public speaking bit. That's A LOT of pressure to put on such a little person.

Melody said...

I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed! And don't worry, you aren't alone there thinking about that issue, I've the same prob too! My daughter is too shy, and she refuses to go on stage if there's any event that involves her! I just hope time and her growing up will solve the problem!

Love that pic! He's sooo adorable. :)

Bookfool said...

Awww, that is too cute!