today, we’re almost two weeks into a trial of an extended-release drug for Elsa.  It comes in a patch that goes on her back.  (well, it’s recommended to go on the hip, but any toddler is going to pull that thing right off if it’s in reach, so i put it up in between her shoulder blades where she can’t get at it.)

the first day i put the patch on, Elsa asked a million questions about it.  she loves stickers, so instead of a patch, i called it a sticker.  it is clear, and kind of disappears once it’s on.  she calls it her “magic sticker”.

i explained that it has medicine in it, so only a grownup can put it on or take it off.  it hurts a little when it comes off, but i try to take it off quickly then give her a little treat for being brave.  she doesn’t love that part, but we talk about how the sticker helps her feel better and helps her slow her body down.

in the last week, we have exactly zero meltdowns.  some crying, yes – but normal 3-year-old little crying at normal things.  these last a few minutes and then – poof! – all is forgotten and we are back to normal.

her energy level is still very high.  she is still willful and challenging.  she still hates transitions.  and she’s still a chatterbox.  her sunny personality, thank God, is still very much there.

the thing that is gone is the explosiveness and the volatility and the tantrums.  i am starting, just starting, to no longer walk on eggshells around her, afraid to say or do something that will set her off.  i can correct her, or redirect her, and it’s not the start of a downward spiral.  she can now endure a time-out without overreaction.

she’s loving her occupational therapy sessions, she’s more able to participate in them fully, and i can already see some changes there.

yesterday, one of her teachers at preschool pulled me aside and told me that Elsa seems more mature lately, and that she is much less impulsive.

magic sticker indeed.

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