Episodes

My eldest son has been having violent episodes of rage as long as I can remember.   I have always been able to hold him tightly to help settle the rage, but as he gets has gotten older this method hasn't worked as well. Episodes seem to occur more frequently with change.  In the last month he has moved twice, finished the first grade, played with his father, and drastically changed everything he has ever known in life. 

Today he had 2 episodes- the second being far more violent resulting in dented walls and broken toys. I was able to see the signs at the beginning of the episode enough to send his 2 little brothers into a bedroom and lock the door from the inside to be safe. Thankfully it only lasted 15 minutes and no one was hurt.

I am curious if it was short because I completely removed myself and the little boys. I have never left him to calm the storm alone.  I hate that can see the hurt in his eyes as he struggles to calm his body and it pains me beyond measure.

After he had settled he came downstairs and politely asked if he could color more pictures for me. I asked him to give me a few minutes so that the floors could dry and he said yes and headed straight upstairs.

This sweet child went from being insane to calm in a matter of moments. Thankfully very few have seen this side of him and even more thankfully I have the opportunity to stay home with him to help protect him and provide him with stability.