Major Change In Behavior

[Sugar Magnolia]

Is he saying "I want Daddy" or "Mommy" or anything specific?

If he is, maybe a picture of the parent to hold would help?

Does he have a lovey or a special stuffed animal? If he's a stuffed animal kind of kid, maybe a parent could help him pick one to cuddle for the last few days? Or buy him a new one? One of my kids had no use for animals, but loves anything with wheels. For him, a "chuck truck" to cuddle would bring a lot of comfort. If it were long term, I wouldn't encourage it, but for 5 days...whatever works!

Asking for dad mostly. He came with a family photo yesterday and today, didn't bring him any comfort. He is inconsolable. It is like a negative feedback loop. It's like he's grieving. His mom lost her mom last month, I am wondering if the boy is scared his parents will also die. Its that serious.

[Sugar Magnolia]

What a tough situation!!

My thought is to make him a chart with 5 spaces, 1 for each day he has left. Make it a countdown to his last day party. At the end of each day he could put a special sticker on it. It would help him understand how long he has left with you. I don't know if it would help with his sobbing, but it might help him understand what's going on.

Good luck!

I think I will try this. Yes, countdown to party.

I have to try something, I did not tell them I wouldn't do next week. I also told the parent that is working in town to be sure he is available to pick up if its going poorly.

[Abigail]

At least you have the weekend to RELAX and do other things*! Even if it's just a few more days instead of the week. You decide and you're doing great! Maybe a weekend at home will really help.

[SunnyDay]

Thinking of you and your little guy today, Sugar.

[EarthyMom]

Sending support your way today! I'm hoping for the best!

[Sugar Magnolia]

Thank you Sunny and Earthy! I hope it goes well, I love this little guy.

[momofsix]

Praying for a better week this week for all of you lovethis

[Sugar Magnolia]

What a tough situation!!

My thought is to make him a chart with 5 spaces, 1 for each day he has left. Make it a countdown to his last day party. At the end of each day he could put a special sticker on it. It would help him understand how long he has left with you. I don't know if it would help with his sobbing, but it might help him understand what's going on.

Good luck!

Sunnyday! The countdown kind of worked! Today was a little better, there.were some tears, but not the constant wailing. He still wouldn't participate that much, still spent most of the day on the beanbag clutching picture of his family. Dcd asked me to watch him an additional week, now until the 4th of October. So we are doing a 10 day countdown. He said he wants a party, so hopefully he can get a grip on the crying. Today was ok-ish. Fingers crossed. I think mom being out of town actually helped a little, she is a wonderful lady, but going through done tough times. I think her stress and emotions were transferring to him, its hard to hide any feelings from this little dude.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Praying for a better week this week for all of you lovethis

Thank you, all you guys positive vibes received and appreciated.

[SunnyDay]

Sunnyday! The countdown kind of worked! Today was a little better, there.were some tears, but not the constant wailing. He still wouldn't participate that much, still spent most of the day on the beanbag clutching picture of his family. Dcd asked me to watch him an additional week, now until the 4th of October. So we are doing a 10 day countdown. He said he wants a party, so hopefully he can get a grip on the crying. Today was ok-ish. Fingers crossed. I think mom being out of town actually helped a little, she is a wonderful lady, but going through done tough times. I think her stress and emotions were transferring to him, its hard to hide any feelings from this little dude.

Great news!

My daughter is a chart girl, I have to give her the credit for this idea. We don't overuse charts, but when some difficult behavior comes up, it helps her for some reason.

I hear you on kids feeling their parents stress! So true.