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Deployment Soundtrack: Talk Talk
Talk, Talk

Talk Talk, 1982

Preview Song

I have been struggling with "Mommy Guilt." Have you ever had that? For me, it is the horrible feeling I get when I make what I feel is the right decision for my children but then I worry that it is the wrong decision.

So, last summer, the kids and I did some traveling while sweet soldier was deployed and that was lots of fun! This summer, we haven't traveled at all, and once the extended school year was over in June, I was really not sure what the rest of the summer would hold. However, a sweet friend and neighbor told me about the summer camp at the local YMCA and I decided to check it out.

I spoke at length with the director at the local Armed Services YMCA. They and the "big YMCA," as I like to call them, put on the camp together. It was decided that the best fit for little sweet boy was at the Armed Services YMCA where they have a smaller group for his age and more adults around to help, while sweet boy and sweet girl would go to the big YMCA where they would spend the days walking to the park, go to movies and swim. And, the price just could not be beat! To pay that little for my summer sanity, it is truly a gift.

So, I am sure you are wondering how my Mommy Guilt applies.

When I initially registered the kids for the summer camp, I thought that I would let them attend two weeks in July. After the first week, however, they loved it so much that I decided to let them go for the entire month, every day, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enter the Mommy Guilt. I, the mom who doesn't work, have put my three children in full time daycare for the summer.

Truthfully, as my marathon training has picked up, I have needed a sitter four days out of the week anyway and the cost of a full day at the Y is about the same as three hours with the sitter. On top of the great price, the kids have made some great friends!

The biggest bonus was for my little sweet boy. You may remember that he is the one on the autism spectrum, but being around his peers did wonders for him during the school year. This summer has proven to be no different.

Sweet boy is best at answering yes or no questions, and typically, his answers are appropriate. Since beginning this program with the ASYMCA, his spontaneous speech has increased dramatically.

For example, last night he looked at me and said, "Mommy, my stomach hurts. I need medicine." The other morning, I woke him up and I said, "It's almost breakfast time. Are you hungry?" To which he replied, "No, I'm thirsty." We went to register for school this afternoon and he greeted and hugged all of his old teachers and friends.

One thing I have always said with regard to little sweet boy is that anything can have therapeutic value. In our case, the more time he spends with his peers the better off he is. So Mommy Guilt, be gone!

Sweet friends, I tell you all of this to simply say, go with your gut. Once you take a plan of action, don't second guess yourself. And when your mommy friends do the same, don't judge. Think about their perspective and show kindness and compassion for where their family is and what their needs may be.

Enjoy the rest of your summer. The first day of school is just around the corner!

 

Strength and Courage ... sby

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