Prematurity Awareness Month ends today. 2 years ago today I had no idea my son would be born the next day. That we would soon be entering the of prematurity and all that goes with it. And a lot goes with it. Worry, sacrifice, tears, sleep deprivation - all the things that come with a full-term baby, but heightened. Over the past 2 years things have popped up that remind me that Greyson had such a rough start, but lately there hasn't been too many. He's been healthy, happy and now he's finally talking I thought we we over the repercussions of prematurity. I thought "He's totally caught up!" and for the most part he is. I think that is why today's experience surprised me so much.
Today at 1 day shy of 2 years old Greyson started Parents Day Out. He will go twice a week for 4 to 5 hours (depending on the day). This is the first time he's been in a setting with other kids. He's only gone to the church nursery twice. When we get together with other kids it is usually at our house or there house with only 1 or 2 other kids. This was 6 other kids. Greyson didn't know what to do.
Aside from the freaking out and crying when we dropped him off (which we expected) the teacher said that he didn't interact with the other kids. That he played by himself, and was happy to do so, but that he didn't like group actives or playing with others. He'd just move away and do something else.
This lack of socialization is totally a side-effect of his prematurity that I didn't see coming. After keeping him in "lock-down" the first year - quitting my job to do so, and then only playing with a few other kids last year, Greyson doesn't have the social skills that you would expect a 2 year old to have. He is GREAT with adults. He's even fine with one or two kids, but he has no idea how to handle a large group of kids.
I know that PDO will be great for him, that he will learn those social skills (and probably get sick in the process) but we waited until he was 2 years old so I feel comfortable. He's healthier now, so for us the increase in socialization is worth the risk of getting sick. I year ago I don't think I would have been ready.
2 years later he's still a preemie. No matter how strong, healthy and wonderful he is - it's a just a truth. Once a preemie, always a preemie. Or maybe it's just once a preemie mom, always a preemie mom!
3 comments:
(((hugs)))
He may be a preemie but he is a rock star as well. He's doing great, and he will catch on. And you are doing a great job, momma.
If Greyson is great with adults, then I think he was probably just overwhelmed with the number of kids there. Kids he is unfamiliar with and he has been in "lock down" for two years of his life. Hayden is very social and outgoing but when he went into the gym he wasn't. He wanted me to hold him the entire time. Greyson (for now) too is an only child and he will lack some socialization skills too because of that. You are the best Mom! Don't worry too much about it, he will catch up.
Happy Birthday Greyson!!!! Radar is so proud of his penpal-blog-preemie-buddy!!!! I hope there's some messy cake in today's plans!!!
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