From that moment, Henry has been 100 percent different than what I imagined. Reflux, no sleep, colic, constant screaming, endless energy, an extreme need to be held, and the list goes on.
After months, I came across the term "high needs." It fit Henry to a T. It turned out there are other babies like him -- lots of them. I wasn't alone. I wasn't crazy. I wasn't doing something wrong.
At 18 months old, Henry is still very much a high needs toddler. But thankfully, I'm very different. I'm more prepared to deal with a high needs child. I'm more informed and loaded with much different expectations. Now I want to share what I've learned, seen, and experienced.
I know there are a lot of other parents who are struggling with their high needs babies or toddlers -- and most of all I want them to know they aren't alone.
So, I've started this series: High Needs Babies and Toddlers: Having a sense of humor, and other ways to survive a high needs little.
Each Friday, I'm going to write about a high needs related topic. I have some guest posters and other exciting events lined up. If you are a high needs parent/blogger and want to participate, please email me at thekavanaughreport@gmail.com. I would love your input and perspective.
If you know someone with a high needs baby, or any baby, please pass this series along. I cannot tell you how happy I would have been to read something like this when Hen was tiny.
Next week's topic: What is exactly is a high needs baby?
