Thursday, May 8, 2008

I'm a Tree Hugger


OK. Sometimes I have a wicked sense of humor. So if you are offended, I apologize. The other day I was in J C Penney's and saw a t shirt that said "I'm a Tree Hugger." I couldn't help but laugh and think "Yes. I hug a tree every day." Meaning my son. He gets stiff as a board and it is very much like hugging a tree. So we practice hugging now and then. Here are the rules set by Nancy Thomas and our therapist about hugging. They cannot clasp their own hands in the back as then they are being careful not to touch you and in a sense are hugging themselves. They should not make their arms carefully exactly parallel to each other as though hugging a disgusting creature. They should not pat your back or rub your hand or anything that hints of being the parent or comforting you. You are there to comfort them. So, pop a caramel or something sweet in your child's mouth. You put it in their mouth for them and tell them you are going to practice hugging. Have them practice trying to relax and soften. Demonstrate the difference of how that feels. Then when they do it right assure them they are safe and can trust. Be a tree hugger today!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Too funny! So did you buy a shirt? I love the information that it inspired you to share. I did not know some of those technicalities. Denise R.

Brenda said...

Denise,

No....I felt a little guilty finding humor in it for some reason.

Rachelle said...

It is a cute shirt though. Especially since it has special meaning to you. Hope you enjoyed your day off!!! Did you visit a spa???

Brenda said...

Rachelle,

No. We just ate out and did some shopping. It was a nice day. I just had a manicure the day before to get ready for my interview! I've already broken 2 of them off. I think I am too rough on the nails!

Karen Deborah said...

Naw that's COOL! Ha ha, i got a pink ball cap today that says, "I love Green" Pretty funny for a pink hat. It was on clearance.

Renee said...

Brenda - That is the fundamental difference between us (well that and about 1629 other things ;-) ), I would have bought the shirt and worn it often - and laughed all day every time. Today A had a rare episode in front of DH. I told him quietly what she would do next (she couldn;t hear me) so she did it. After the third thing in a row, he just kind of looked at me in wonder. I laughed and said - told you I can't make this stuff up.

Brenda said...

Wow! I'm so glad she showed him her true colors! Don't think I haven't thought about going back and getting the shirt.