Help With Anxiety and Sensory Needs at Mall of America

Anxiety continues to disrupt our daughter's outings that are normally an exciting time for her. Something we did not record on day 2 was her wanting to go on the rollercoaster that she successfully went one during day 1. Her anxiety took over. We could see she wanted to go so bad, but her anxiety did not let her.
She still was able to enjoy her time at Nickelodeon Universe thanks to the disability pass and sensory room. We feel we helped her through the sensory stuff and autism stuff successfully, but unfortunately the anxiety took over.(we have an appointment coming up to address her increased anxiety). Overall though, she had a fantastic 2 days here.
It is a question that comes up with every outing, why don't you bring Norton. We have brought him here in the past and he has done his job successfully. Anxiety is something that makes her aversive to him. I think when he is attached she feels less in control.
She is also getting bigger, stronger, and more independent. All three of those combined make the reality set in. Norton may need to retire and become her pet instead of her job. Not saying he can't help her at all, just not tethered in public places.
#weefam #autism #anxiety

[@beccasmama63]

Sensory rooms also give the parents a noise break so they can relax more so your child doesn't pick up on your tension too.

[@TheWeeFamily]

Super valid point too! Regulating for everyone in the group

[@melissaahlers5615]

The nickelodeon area looks really cool

[@jacquicoder7160]

Anxiety can be so disruptive. You are wonderfully attuned to her moods and reactions to stimuli but I'm sure there are times when you just can't help with her anxiety. I hope you are able to find a way to reduce it. It was interesting to read about Norton and how she may have outgrown the purpose which he once served. I'm sure he will still be a great pet.

[@aliciaallford5469]

Braylee must be a thrill seeker if she loves going on all of those rides. She must be very brave to do it. I know I would be scared to go on rides like those

[@kathleenmunoz4465]

That is really neat they have that room.

[@littlelorib7980]

So sweet 😊❤

[@amandahart8122]

Anxiety is the most popular out there I was also have high anxiety myself Amanda

[@serendipitysisters84]

I can’t help but to love Braylee because we have a lot in common, we both love to sing, ride roller coasters, and we could swim all day underwater 🩵 you guys are such amazing parents to always be helping her have the best experiences!!

[@evanwalter9]

Typical '90s mall. A shame these malls are now dead and derelict across America 😢. Quite authentic American malls. The food courts, the rides, waterparks, soft play areas, stages where children's characters like Barney or Winnie the Pooh perform, the chilling jazz music and amazing department stores. Those were the good ol' days. Rare to find

[@sofiasousapires]

Hope you can find what to do to help B with her anxiety!

[@robylove9190]

Braylee is a little dare devil once she decides to do something ❤

[@TheWeeFamily]

She really can be when she’s feeling confident!

[@serendipitysisters84]

I love how she loves to experience things, Braylee is so cool. Always trying new things and having fun while doing it!

[@tyreesetjjoyner1995]

Having fun? Good video. Continue on your road on getting the silver play button along with the interviewing with Chris ULMER of SBSK

[@rebekahearly1144]

Oh they had a yellow bus one! Did B associate that with her bus?

[@TheWeeFamily]

I’m not exactly sure. I know we ride it every time we go and she enjoys it so it’s definitely possible 😄

[@wendystephan35]

Just curious. Malls are not doing well in America. Could you tell by the amount of people or empty stores how well Mall of America is doing?

[@TheWeeFamily]

I know that the mall of America is more of a tourist-y thing so it probably wouldn’t be a good measure? But it seemed just about as busy as always as far as we could tell.

[@loriherrington9999]

❤

[@serendipitysisters84]

This is random, but I think with the losing your voice thing you have to be doing sounds your body isn’t used to. At least for me I had never lost my voice until once at a summer, camp job, second time when I started working at a Preschool. The summer camp because I was always speaking as loud as I could over 100 kids, and at the preschool, I lost my voice by doing the character sounds. I found that the deep voices really hurt my vocal chords 😭 now I have to be careful not to read too much or to stretch my vocal cords before reading books LOL

[@serendipitysisters84]

But otherwise I could sing all day like Braylee haha 😊

[@shannacraft4099]

🌸 💙💙💙

[@kavitadeva]

Hi Wee Fam. I must have missed it. How do you help B with her Anxiety??

[@Jadyn_Sage]

That's literally what half of this video was about

[@serendipitysisters84]

@@Jadyn_SageSometimes people miss things, it’s okay to ask questions

[@serendipitysisters84]

I think the way they helped her was: 1. Try to understand her perspective and what she is thinking and feeling, and understand that it is perfectly normal to feel that way 2. Take time to calm down, talk it out, relax, have a little distraction (sensory room in this case) 3. Try again when things have calm down 4. Learn from experiences. Keep past struggles and accomplishments in mind to help for future anxiety

[@alexthesaintbernardlover5938]

Hey B

[@Jadyn_Sage]

Will Kaitlynn still be doing respite for you?

[@TheWeeFamily]

Unfortunately not 😞 the transition has been difficult on B and is probably adding to some of her increased anxiety and changes. While we fully understand the reasoning why she won’t be doing respite for us and support her, it’s still hard on B. We have been trying to make sure we video chat and see her at least every couple of weeks since we all enjoy hanging out. Braylee asks for her at least a dozen times a day every day.

[@Jadyn_Sage]

@@TheWeeFamily I can only imagine how tough that is. You as adults obviously understand, but Braylee most likely doesn't. All she knows is that her friend isn't around anymore 😢

[@serendipitysisters84]

@@TheWeeFamilymy apologies if this is an ignorant question, but I was curious what the respite is that Braylee would participate in with Kaitlyn? (: If you don’t mind me asking I saw they cooked together, is a respite someone who comes and spends time to help children who need extra attention?

[@serendipitysisters84]

@@Jadyn_Sagethat is so sad 😢

[@winfredjaycooper3495]

Was it fun