Chapter 23 - I learn to let Silas stay
My overcorrection came later.
After Millicent, I became unwilling to leave Silas anywhere he felt uncomfortable.
Sleepover:
Call me.
Scout event:
Call me.
Birthday:
Call me.
Dr. Ellison noticed.
“You’re making home permanently available as an escape hatch.”
“He needs to know I’ll come.”
“Yes.”
“But?”
“He also needs to learn discomfort can rise and fall without immediate evacuation.”
I hated the similarity to Millicent’s argument.
Dr. Ellison saw my face.
“Difference.”
Good.
“Silas must know he is safe and heard. That does not mean every request to leave is granted immediately.”
So we practiced.
At a friend’s sleepover, Silas called at 9:10.
“I want home.”
“Are you scared?”
“No.”
“Did something happen?”
“They’re watching a movie I don’t like.”
“Can you go to another room?”
“Maybe.”
“Do you want me to pick you up now, or try twenty minutes and call again?”
He thought.
“Twenty.”
He never called again.
Next morning:
“It was fine.”
I almost cried.
Did not.
That was genuine separation confidence.
Not forced through broken toys.
Built through choice, support, and successful return.
Millicent had correctly recognized a developmental goal.
May you like
Her method had been disastrous.
That distinction became essential.
