Picture a raging - screaming, aggressive - nearly-5 year-old swaddled
on the floor with his parent, to contain him, protect others, and
(hopefully) provide a sense of safety and eventual calm. Then see his 3
year-old sibling entering, wanting closeness with her mama, perhaps
re-assurance. She grabs her own blanket and tries to wrap herself and
snuggle up beside the pair on the floor. Restraining, cuddling, all
together.
As she settles in, she leans toward her dysregulated
brother and tells him she loves him. Next, 5 year-old big brother
enters. He has been occupying himself, and no one had attended to the
recorded music coming from an electronic toy in the playroom, until he
informs us that he thought the music might be nice for his brother. When
acknowledged for his thoughtfulness, he brings the musical globe into
the room and begins to take requests.
Within minutes, my boy
has begun to return from the depths of his fury. I force myself out of
self-imposed silence - a survival strategy used to ride things out
without feeding anyone's anger further - and snuggle my "twins", going
yet further - which takes a great deal of emotional effort - to begin a hunt for belly
buttons and play a few tickling games. Once everyone has shrieked with
laughter, and I have distracted them by pointing out a passing farm
vehicle, we attempt to resume "normal" and hope it lasts for at least a
little while...
