7 Minute Standoff

Yesterday Wil and I had a 7 minute silent standoff.

He refused to go to summer speech and occupational therapy. He loves going, so I knew I had a chance of working through what was holding him back.

He was playing karaoke and didn’t want to stop — totally understandable. I told him he could pick up exactly where he left off when we returned.

“Track 6, Mom.”

“You got it, Track 6 Wil.”

Even with this seeming agreement, he sat unmoving. If I pushed, he’d dig his heels in and we’d never make it to therapy. He knew what I was asking and he wanted to go. But his resistance was holding on tight and he needed time and space to work through his resistance. So I stood between Wil and the karaoke machine and said not a word. He sat on the floor and said not a word.

On my watch the minutes ticked by 1—2—3—4— I began contemplating texting the therapists but didn’t want to make a move to indicate I was backing down.

5—6— Wil began talking to himself. My shoulders relaxed. This is a good sign, as he was processing out loud what we typically do silently. I held my quiet stance.

7— Wil leaned over and hugged my legs.

“Ok Mom, let’s go!”