The First Time The Boy's Head Flew Off

Okay, so the head flying off thing.

It happened when we got home from two weeks in Montana.

Background: The Toddler Teacher we take classes from talks about how kids who are The Boy's age will often save up their anxieties until it is "safe" to express them. Meaning something could scare or make The Boy apprehensive but he wouldn't react to it until he was in a "safe" state — physically or emotionally.

Hmm ... I thought when I heard this. That sounds like it could be true. It will be interesting to see if it's so.

Oh, let me tell you. It's so.

We got home after a decent flight and a looooong drive home. (Friday I5 traffic.) To get settled we went out back with the toy lawnmower for leg-stretching and juice.

The lawn was looking ragged after two week's neglect. The Boy was trying to mow it with his toy mower and wasn't getting anywhere. After five minutes he completely lost it. Just lost it.

For 22 minutes. I timed it.

At one point he was trying to tip over the couch. My gentle, sweet boy. Yeah.

I offered him the footstool but he declined.

I know every kid is different about how he wants to be treated when his head has come loose. Some want to be alone in the room. Some want to be held. Some want an audience.

I have no idea what The Boy wants. Yet. I'm sure we'll get more chances.

No. Not my sweet, gentle boy.

Look, guys; just let me have my dreams for now.