Why the kittens have been awesome for Mason

5. Distraction

When Mason gets his mind set on certain things, there are not a lot of ways to change it unless you want a 30 minute insane tantrum. It's really not fun setting boundaries for him (true for most toddlers!). There are a few high value distractions that sometimes work: Mickey Mouse, seeing grandpa Ron and grandma Ginny, chocolate milk, fruit snacks, and the kittens!  It's nice having another high value distraction that doesn't have to rely on TV, people who may not be home, or sugary drinks/food.

4. Slowing down and noticing
One thing all of Mason's therapists talk about is helping Mason slow down enough to notice the world around him. He walks on his toes and his vision is usually looking upwards instead of around, which causes him to be clumsy and to not notice where he walks. Mason is also not very aware of how he could hurt other people by stepping on them or hitting them too hard.  Since the kittens are of high value to him, he tends to notice when they are on the ground around him.  He wants them to stay by him, so he is learning that if he steps on them, they will run away.  He is also figuring out how to touch them more gently.  This helps him TREMENDOUSLY.  We were at his daycare Christmas party with a lot of other people, I watched him notice multiple people on the ground and he walked around him.  This may seem like a little thing, but with a new baby brother coming, we need him to notice people on the ground. Obviously, his other therapies have also helped him in this area, but I really think the kittens have made a big difference.

3. Lower stress
There have been many studies about the emotional benefits of having a pet.  I know that having pets have always made me happier.  Since Mason's physical body is under constant stress, these kittens always bring out Mason's happy voice.  If I hear Mason jabbering from another room, I can tell if he is "talking" to the cats.  He has a certain happy voice that he only uses with them.  The other day, my wonderful friends from Minnesota were visiting and pushing him on the swing. The kittens were sitting on a table directly in view. For a good 5-10 minutes, he happily said "Kiiiiii" over and over again. It made it hard to talk with my friends, but it makes my heart happy to hear him be so happy.

2. Communication

Every time we see a person or leave a person, I still try to get him to acknowledge or say hi/bye to them. He does it sometimes. We ask him to point to things or name objects, he sometimes does it. Whenever we ask him to point to the cat's nose or something else about the cat, he always does it. He always says "hi" to the kittens and sometimes tries to give them milk from his sippy cup. It's awesome to see consistent communication!

1.  Love

What is more important that giving your child something to love? One of Mason's therapists said that for him (and others like him) animals can be easier to be around because there are less confusing expectations and emotions for him to deal with. I love that he has two kittens that bring him such joy, comfort, and love.