Re: Preparing kids for change in adult's appearance?

[Guest guest]

Can you honestly tell the terrified nephew (and the others, for that

matter) that you've been through a wonderful experience that has

helped things in your mouth work so much better -- or that you

expect such to happen? And that you have a bruise or two, but that

they don't hurt and are much like falling off a bike or skates, and

will soon be all gone?

In other words, translate something scary into something marvelous?

This child doesn't need to hear any difficult details -- only about

your great expectations, I'd think. I don't know that you need to

mention surgery or docs; just that you've had some experts to help

and have " fixed " your mouth/face/whatever, that wasn't/weren't

working the best.

They'll know you're their aunt when you share your previous aunt

behavior and goodwill with them, I'd wager. No matter whether they

recognize you at first. And how about sending some photos, maybe of

you doing things they enjoy, for them to see before you get there?

good luck,

Cammie

>

> Hi all,

>

> I haven't seen my young nephews (ages 5, 2, and infant) since

Xmas, a

> couple of days before my surgery. It's been over a month and I'm

> still slightly bruised and definitely swollen (I'm recovering

pretty

> slowly), plus obviously my appearance has changed because of the

> surgery itself (upper jaw + genio) -- so I look pretty different

from

> the Auntie Sara they're used to seeing!

>

> My question is -- how did those of you with children,

nieces/nephews,

> etc. prepare them for the change in appearance? (My oldest nephew

is

> highly sensitive/scared of any mention of doctors and dentists, as

> well, so we don't want to give him too many details -- but we also

> don't want to lie, either.)

>

> Also, how did you prepare *yourselves* for their reactions? I'm

> feeling pretty up and down these days about how I look (I love my

> profile, but am not quite comfortable with my frontal appearance),

> and am scared not just of upsetting my nephews, but also of

getting

> upset myself if they are scared or put off by seeing me. I miss

them

> so much and can't wait to see them, but fear that they might not

> really think I'm the same " Auntie Sara " after all.

>

> Thanks for any suggestions or insights!

> Sara

[Guest guest]

Cammie, thanks! Even though my onw feelings on all of this being

wonderful are still vaccilating a little now <grin>, I think this

could be a good approach with the oldest boy. The more I think about

it, the more I wonder if the toddler will even notice much (and I'm

pretty sure it's a safe bet that the baby won't have any idea!).

I'll pass this on to my sister -- I'm hoping to go over to see the

boys this weekend.

Sara

> >

> > Hi all,

> >

> > I haven't seen my young nephews (ages 5, 2, and infant) since

> Xmas, a

> > couple of days before my surgery. It's been over a month and I'm

> > still slightly bruised and definitely swollen (I'm recovering

> pretty

> > slowly), plus obviously my appearance has changed because of the

> > surgery itself (upper jaw + genio) -- so I look pretty different

> from

> > the Auntie Sara they're used to seeing!

> >

> > My question is -- how did those of you with children,

> nieces/nephews,

> > etc. prepare them for the change in appearance? (My oldest

nephew

> is

> > highly sensitive/scared of any mention of doctors and dentists,

as

> > well, so we don't want to give him too many details -- but we

also

> > don't want to lie, either.)

> >

> > Also, how did you prepare *yourselves* for their reactions? I'm

> > feeling pretty up and down these days about how I look (I love my

> > profile, but am not quite comfortable with my frontal

appearance),

> > and am scared not just of upsetting my nephews, but also of

> getting

> > upset myself if they are scared or put off by seeing me. I miss

> them

> > so much and can't wait to see them, but fear that they might not

> > really think I'm the same " Auntie Sara " after all.

> >

> > Thanks for any suggestions or insights!

> > Sara