sensory issues

When Ladybug first came home we dealt with many things getting to know each other.  She had some serious sleep issues.  She refused to sleep anywhere but my bed.  I could deal with that.  She didn't need much sleep.  I could not deal with that.

Sometimes she had a hard time going to sleep.  The advice I got from other moms was to lightly rub her back and whisper to her that everything was fine.  I tried that.  It didn't work.  What I didn't know at the time was that kids with her type of sensory issues don't like soft touch and whispers.  It is not soothing to her.  I soon learned that.  I use to practically put my body weight on her and she would go to sleep. 

Strange child.

It was years later that I learned that I needed to do hard back rubs -- not light touch.  And she loves, loves, loves them. 

Tonight I was in bed with her trying to get her to go to sleep.  I let her take a late nap on the couch today so I knew this was going to be a challenge.  So I started rubbing her back.  Really rubbing.    HARD!  I was rubbing so hard that I was beginning to wonder if I was hurting her.  Her nightgown (which is a hand me down and might be as old as me) was tingling my hand and I didn't think it was comfortable for me so I didn't know how this was comfortable for her. 

She seemed to relax.  She was quiet.  She was not kicking and rolling and moving around.  And then she rolled her head in my direction and said....

Mama, put your back into it.

She wanted it harder.

Mean Mama