Monday, October 26, 2009

Lightbulb Moment

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Early school mornings often look like this these days. Laying in front of the floor heater vent, breakfast within reach, minimal lighting. George has always been a morning person (versus Emma's night owl behavior), so seeing him so sleepy and cuddly is precious to me. It only takes about 15 minutes though and then he's up and running (literally), playing, eating, jabbering, the usual.

Emma noticed something this morning that I hadn't clued into. Most mornings, once George has gotten past this floppy phase, he starts turning on lights. ALL the lights. Lights we don't usually use, like the bright overhead light in the living room and the two hallway lights. I thought for sure this was just a habit, connected to his love of all things that can be switched, pushed, turned, or otherwise engaged. He doesn't usually do it at any other time of the day, but I figured it had gotten to be part of his routine ("do it once, and it's routine"), and didn't think on it further.

However, rather than it being a tactile sensory response, Emma suggested that it's more of a need for the light itself. George is both very literal and also very receptive to sensory input. That combination reveals itself in these dark early mornings where George must create the environmental surrounding that tell him it is, indeed, morning. Emma pointed out to me that the only other time George floods the house with light is occasionally after dinner; again, now that it is already dark so early in the evening. As soon as I start giving countdown warnings that bathtime is approaching, George races around the house, turning off as many lights as I will allow.

Creating night time.

No one will ever convince me that my children aren't brilliant. Both of them.

15 comments:

shimelle said...

they are both very perceptive! :) i find this time of year so difficult as the daylight seems to be so very brief. we actually have a light-up alarm clock that uses a gradual light to wake us up rather than noise -- it made a world of difference! still touch when i then open the curtains and it's dark though!

Maria Ontiveros said...

Came to check out your blog, but was carried away by your post - it's beautiful! You show so much love & respect for your kids in your words.
And, oh, I really like your blog arrangement. I love the header and how big the pictures are on the right sidebar - no "thumbnails" for you!
Rinda

Mary said...

Lovely blog and very inspirational. Just popped over from Shim's to have a look-see.

Anonymous said...

WAIT! You are taking a class by Shimelle! I just finished her Learn Something New EveryDay ... loved it! This is her blog class isn't it?

Lauren said...

What a LOVELY story! To be able to think like a child, how creative we would be!

Anonymous said...

The look of your blog is so clean and beautiful.

-elin-

Jen Martakis said...

What a beautiful blog! My 2 1/2 year old son has Sensory Processing Disorder and I can totally relate to your story.

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

What a wonderful post!

I love the look of your blog!

Gennifer said...

I agree, they are both brilliant. :)

Tanya @ TeenAutism said...

Yes, they are both amazing! I find that I need to turn on the lights in the mornings as well. As soon as my alarm goes off, I turn on my bedroom light to help me wake up. But then, I've got a little sensory thing going on myself! ;)

loonyhiker said...

I love how sensitive Emma is to what is happening to George! Of course I'm a lot like George in that I hate the dark and will turn on as many lights as I can around me. I think that is why I like the spring because the days get longer!

Beverly said...

love your blog layout. It does sound like both of your children are yes, brillant :) look forward to reading more and seeing you in Shilelle's class.

Denise said...

Love your story, and your clouds layout is beautiful - found you via Shimelle's class,and will be visiting again :-)

humel said...

I used to camp in front of the air vent heater at home when I was growing up :-) Can't be doing with lights on in the morning though - not till about midday...

Sarah said...

Love this post. Those moments when your children enlighten you are treasures.