She is totally blind? I've read the biographies of two blind children, and both had this behavior--intense following and "pestering" of their caregivers around this age. It can be a form of reassurance--since she cannot see you, it's double important that she hear you and be close to you at all times.
I'm no expert, and you are dealing with serious special needs. I hear that you are burned out and exhausted--but I think her behaviors ARE a reflection of her feelings about blindness, the pain of needles, fears of school separation--these are HUGE issues for an 8 year old child to face. Do you really think her intense behaviors are unrelated to her special needs? I think she is angry, and this is how the anger and fear is coming out.
I definitely think professional help is needed, and I don't say that lightly. If you are responding to her behaviors with hitting, new discipline tools are in dire need--I think a specialist in blind children could give you better insight into her fears/needs, as well as positive ways to discipline her that build up a good relationship between you both.
Quote:
| Okay be mad about getting a needle, be mad about being blind, be mad about having to go to school, she is too big and too old to sleep with us and her brother isn't ready to leave our bed(he still nurses at night). I can't change any of these things no matter how much I want to! So we need to find a way to deal with it. Letting her get away with treating her dad and I like crap is not working for us anymore. I have had enough! |
I definitely think professional help is needed, and I don't say that lightly. If you are responding to her behaviors with hitting, new discipline tools are in dire need--I think a specialist in blind children could give you better insight into her fears/needs, as well as positive ways to discipline her that build up a good relationship between you both.
