Crochet Therapy
My youngest girl, now age 13, made this adorable purse as her most recent crochet project. She did it entirely on her own by following a pattern in a book. I’m totally impressed by this because I cannot crochet or knit. Not one stitch.
She also made the shawl she’s wearing. It was her first project, with guidance from big sis Kathryn.
In addition to these projects, she has also made a carrying bag for her drumsticks, complete with tiny pocket, plus a hat she’s currently wearing almost non-stop regardless of weather, and a pair of fingerless gloves.
If you’re on her Christmas list, you should probably expect something made of yarn.
Therapy a few years ago helped us put words to some challenges from the early years she spent bouncing in and out of foster care. It turns out what looks a whole lot like ADHD is actually trauma-based anxiety. When the therapist told me this, I initially balked. How could this bouncy, friendly, outgoing girl be dealing with anxiety? It’s nothing like the anxiety I’ve seen and experienced before.
The more I thought about it, however, the more it made sense. She’s so energetic because she’s always on high alert. It definitely doesn’t look like fear, but she struggles to let her mind rest. It’s exhausting to live with, and I imagine it’s exhausting for her, too.
Of all the things we’ve tried over the past seven years since she became our daughter, it turns out crochet may be the thing that has helped her most of all. Some of it may be due to a little maturity bringing other things together, but I’ll still keep supplying her with all kinds of yarn if this helps keep her hands busy and her mind at peace.
Related: the brand new book by bloggers and adoptive parents Mike and Kristin Berry released this week. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet but I’m looking forward to it. It’s available now on kindle: Securely Attached.
Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »
When I read this post I was like….WOW.
I’ve struggled with anxiety all of my life and recently I discovered that painting or DIY projects brings my anxiety level down ALOT. I’ve seen felt myself going on high alert and then I’d I start painting it seems to melt away.
I’m glad you were able to find something that helps her. Good for her! I hope she continues to find things that help her cope with this scary world that we love in.