Maturity jump at 4 Edit: and disappearance of sensory issues

[SarahBear]

I feel like there's been a rather dramatic maturity jump in Violet. Some of the changes happened right before 4 and others not long after. She did have a rough time the last couple weeks, but she was also sick mixed with holidays. But now that she's getting better, I feel like I'm seeing it again and then some. How about the rest of you with kids 4 years or older. What have you noticed around this age?

Edit: Oh, another thing. She's had tactile sensitivities that I've been aware of for about a year (but extend back further than that) and they've almost disappeared... They were at an all time high about a month ago and then suddenly flipped around. She still is selective about her clothing, but is OK with whatever reasonable limits you set and is also branching out. For example, we bought her a new coat today and not only did she have no problem wearing it, but she actually ASKED to wear it. That's huge for her! She CHOSE to wear socks the other day and she's been willing to wear layers. In addition, she's started eating a wider variety of foods and eating things she's never enjoyed before. For example, she's never liked foods that were mixed or foods with sauces (other than ketchup) and now she does. She's starting to eat more vegetables as well. Anyone have any similar experiences with the clothing part?

Edit: Oh, and other sensory stuff: She actually CHOSE to take a bath (opposed to the sponge baths we've been doing) and washing her hair wasn't hell and she didn't freak out about the temperature. She's actually been responsible about washing her hands as well. Whose child is this?

 

[BlingyGal]

I definitely noticed this in my niece who is now 5. My niece gave my sister such a hard time from 2.5 to 3.5 years and then at some point everything started to smooth out. She's so conscientious and sweet now.

 

[OnErth&InHvn]

Sensory can get better, but if its really SPD, its not cured.

 

[SarahBear]

Sensory can get better, but if its really SPD, its not cured.

Does true SPD fluctuate that dramatically? I was in the process of being referred to an OT and now it just feels silly. I'm questioning whether it even makes sense to see an OT. But if this is just a phase, perhaps things are just looking good at the moment? I have no idea...

 

[OmarsMum]

My boy had loads of sensory issues, before the age of 4 it was impossible to put him in jean or full sleeves shirts, he hated costumes, I had to cut all tags, messy play was a torture for him, he hated walking on grass & sand, all those disappeared now he's 7. It did get easier when he started school, he is still picky with food & he eats certain textures but now he tries new food if he likes how it looks. He still doesn't like to get his hands dirty or to work with food, he's not bothered about getting his face wet anymore & swimming classes really helped as he learned how to hold his breath when Water gets on his head & face but it took him over a year from starting lesson to get his head under water.

He also hated crowd & loud noises, he used to panic around big group of kids, again this also disappeared

 

[k4th]

My dd hasn't had sensory issues so I can't comment on that.

However... gerneral maturity just took off at around 4 for my dd. She's pretty bright but it was more than just intelligence that was developing. She suddenly became more involved in more complex reasoning, she asked more complex questions, she wanted to be "grown up" - not by pretend play - by being recognised as engaging in more grown up activities. At her preschool, many of the girls went through this but the boys continued to enjoy running around & "rough & tumble" play. The girls began sitting together to try writing or to talk about things together.

I don't know that it's definitely a boy vs girl thing... that's just my experience at the preschool my dd went to. My dd also became a big sister at 4 and a half, so I also wonder if talking about a new baby etc helped her to feel more grown up?

 

[_Meep_]

Obviously nowhere near this stage yet, but I'm happy for you and for her that things seem to be turning a corner sensory-wise!

 

[Bevziibubble]

Holly has really matured since turning 4. Her behaviour has improved from the difficult threenager stage, she understands more and she is more confident in social situations. She is still extremely sensitive but that's just who she is and I think she'll always be like that.

 

[OnErth&InHvn]

Sensory can get better, but if its really SPD, its not cured.

Does true SPD fluctuate that dramatically? I was in the process of being referred to an OT and now it just feels silly. I'm questioning whether it even makes sense to see an OT. But if this is just a phase, perhaps things are just looking good at the moment? I have no idea...

It can mattering on circumstances. We are at the puberty stage and im seeing all new things that we didnt before...

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

J has changed and matured loads lately.

 

[sequeena]

My son has spd. There are things he's rigid on not tolerating. Fair ground rides, loud noises, jelly, getting washed, getting dressed etc. Truth be told though I never know how he'll react to anything. He can be ok with something one minute and the next he's terrified and doing anything to get away from it/us.

 

[SarahBear]

Another big step for Violet. She requested her own bedroom! She's been bedsharing since the day she was born. The only time she didn't bedshare with me was the two nights she had to spend with just her dad when she was 2. That's it. Every single other night she has slept with me. And literally every single night of her life, she has slept with a parent. The last few months, she has been in her own bed, but the bed was literally right against ours. So, while she had her own bed, it was basically just an extension of our bed. She has requested her own room once before, but she wasn't ready and wanted nothing to do with it once it was bedtime. However, as I type this, I'm just sitting on her bed while she falls asleep. Since we're working on getting her into her own room, I'm going to do my best to make her feel comfortable in here which does mean sitting with her until she's asleep and I'm perfectly OK with that. She also knows she can come to our room if she's scared or just generally wants to. I told her that if this goes well this evening, we'll move her clothes into here and set it up as her bedroom. So far so good. If she freaks out tonight or in the morning, I might have her give it one more trial run before officially changing it into her room. Anyway, it's getting crowded in the bedroom and I'm ready for a change.