Maple Syrup and Hiking

When you're a homeschooling mom, everything becomes an opportunity for learning, and when you have special needs kiddos, those opportunities can bring big challenges.

We went to a state park in Maryland this weekend to observe maple syrup making. Being from South Texas, and a stranger to maple trees, I was fascinated. During the demonstration, Bear reached out and pulled a little girl's hair. (Bear is on the autistic spectrum and very developmentally delayed, and while she is generally a happy child, she is quite aggressive.) Unfortunately, we were all watching the demonstration and didn't see her zoning in on the long, red hair of the unsuspecting ten-year-old. She doesn't let go easily, and by the time we got the other girl free, she was in tears. Hubby had to remove Bear from  the area. Sometimes the only thing that settles her down is being seatbelted into her car seat, so there she went.

Bubba, Bug, and I continued to watch the demonstration until Bug became overwhelmed by the sensations of the smoke, fire, and growing crowds. (Bug has anxiety and sensory issues, so adjustments often need to be made quickly.) We decided that we would get Daddy and Bear and go try our hand (feet) at hiking.

Our first hiking trip and Bubba led us up, up, up the advanced course. I was a bit opposed at first, but sometimes you just do the things the "regular" kiddo wants to do just so he feels important, too. About a fourth of the way into the hike, Bear decided she was no longer walking. She's about 36 pounds now, and that gets heavy fast, especially when your climbing over rocks and trees. Hubby went ahead with Bubba and Bug at one point, and Bear and I lost the trail. To the right, it looked like no one had ever gone, but to the left, it looked nearly impossible, especially with a three-year-old on your back. After hemming and hawing a bit, I headed to the left, and little by little, I got us down into an opening where I looked up and saw my dear hubby and older kiddos coming back for us. I was so relieved, especially when he started carrying Bear again.

The waterfall we hiked to was beautiful. We did have a few more instances with other children and pets as we looked at the falls, but they were minor. We took the easier path back to the car and just enjoyed the rest of our day together.

I used to be one of those people. You know, the kind who look at an unruly, loud, tearful, or aggressive kiddo and think what is wrong with those parents. Don't they know that you have to start training children early so they don't turn into brats? Well, I take back every mean-spirited thought I've ever had in that vein. Sometimes, that is the best behavior the kiddos have been able to muster in days. Maybe they're overwhelmed easily. Maybe it's your perfume, the brightness of the lights, or the temperature that has set them off.  I promise you, we're doing the best we can. We might not always be able to participate like everyone else in places where it's noisy or crowded, but I'm glad that my family can still enjoy each other.