September 10, 2010

Imogen:  Mummy, I just don't know why that woman lives* in the children's library if she doesn't like children.  She needs to be nice to me, that library woman.  She needs a really, really big time out to think about her behaviour.

Me:  You are so right, kiddo.

*The concept of work has yet to gel for Imogen; she believes that people live wherever we encounter them.

September 9, 2010

Imogen:  Mum, it's hard being us sometimes, isn't it?

Me:  Yes, it sure is.

Imogen:  So it's good that we love each other, right?

Me:  Absolutely.

Imogen:  Mum, you're the best mother I ever had.

September 7, 2010 round two

In the car after school, Imogen was uncharacteristically quiet.  Though she doesn't always talk to me, she usually sings or tells stories.  Today, nothing, until this conversation, initiated by her.

Imogen:  Mummy, I'm not normal.

Me:  What does normal mean?

Imogen:  I don't really know but I'm not normal and I just want to be normal.

Me:  I think you're really great the way you are.  Can you tell me some more about what makes you want to be normal?

Imogen:  No.  I miss my friends in Turkey.*


*"I miss my friends in Turkey" is the script to which Imogen reverts to when she's overwhelmed by and unable to talk about emotions she's experiencing. 


Any suggestions for on how to talk to Imogen about this?  I'm heartbroken for her that she feels this way.

September 7, 2010

Today was Imogen's first day of kindergarten.  She is attending a special program called Socialization Kindergarten especially for children with disabilities.  The following scene unfolded in the cloak room at drop-off.


SLP (speech language pathologist): Look Imogen, there's Eloise*.

Imogen: Oh yay!  She's going to be my best friend.  Hi Eloise!

Eloise, to her mother: I like how that girl looks.

(pause)

Eloise:  She's prettier than me and she doesn't like Hello Kitty.  Oh no, this is not good.

Imogen:  I like Hello Kitty and we are both the prettiest!  You're my best friend.

Eloise:  Oh, okay.  That's alright then.

*Eloise is not the child's actual name; I don't use names unless I've sought parental consent.

September 6, 2010

Me:  Imogen, you are so beautiful.

Imogen:  You're welcome, Mummy.

September 3, 2010

Via telephone (Imogen has gone to Calgary for the weekend with her father.)


Imogen:  Mummy, I really miss you so much.

Me:  Imogen, I miss you so much too.  And I love you so much.

Imogen:  My brother and my cat are crying for me, aren't they?

Me:  Yes, they are.

Imogen:  Tell them I love them and I will be back soon.

Me:  Okay, I will.

Imogen:  You might forget, Mummy.  Let me talk to my cat.

September 1, 2010

Imogen:  Mum, I have some very sad news.

Me:  What's that?

Imogen:  When Julius cries, it makes me cry inside too.