The Lodger and Us

"If you get in your buggy, you can have a bar!" said a Mum to her little girl. I overheard this on our walk down to the village today.  I can't remember who advised us or maybe we read it somewhere in the early days but since The Lodger has been born, we have never used food as blackmail. It's something I would've been guilty of, as a way to pacify my lovely niece before The Lodger arrived. I wouldn't even have thought twice about it pre Lodger. It's natural. It's something people do everyday. Food is used as reward and punishment. 'No treats for you if you're bold', 'Be good and you can have something nice'! Food is motivating. It's not just children, it's Adults too!   'If I eat healthy Monday to Friday, I can allow myself a treat at the weekend.', I've been so good lately, I can have a slice of cake.' It's getting harder now. The Lodger is becoming a lot more food aware. It could ...

AFO's. Ankle Foot Orthotics. When I first heard these words, my heart ached a little bit more. I knew they would help The Lodger but here was something else we had to deal with and ultimately come to terms with.  Just last month The Lodger was fitted with AFOs. To the uninitiated these are also called splints. Splints. It's such a harsh word. It's an even harsher word when you attach it to your two year old little boy.  When we attended our orthotics appointment, I was hoping that the physiotherapist had it wrong, that he wouldn't need them. The Lodger as usual, smiled and waved through his assessment and it was concluded that he would need AFO's. The warrior in me, smiled and said 'Anything that helps him to walk is great'. Inside, I was sad. Here's another thing that The Lodger had to deal with.  As parents, we approach all the challenges The Lodger faces with positivity. AFOs were the last thing we wanted for our son but for them...