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Dear Savvy Auntie,

I have four nieces and I love them very dearly. My problem is that I have Williams Syndrome and can get overwhelmed and stressed very easily. I am fine with two of my nieces but I am having trouble with the other two and I don't know how to handle it at all. The eight year old niece is hyper and my four year old niece is getting an attitude and makes me feel like I'm not a good aunt to her. I try to be a good and and it is getting on my nerves. 

Stressed Auntie

Dear Stressed Auntie,

Since music is a wonderful experience for everyone, especially you, I suggest you share music with your nieces. The eight year old may have her favorites and so you could try to appreciate her taste and introduce calming and soothing music to help her hyper behavior. The four year old has probably been “smitten” by the music from the film Frozen. " Let It Go” is very popular with this age group. If she hasn’t seen the movie - or even if she has, it is now on DVD and would be a great “across the ages” activity.

Since four – five year olds tend to have an attitude that appears very much like teenagers, I advise you not to take it personally. I know this is difficult but with a little time and space she will return to the little girl she has been.

For all, a good resource is to learn more about Williams Syndrome is www.Williams-Syndrome.org. If you haven’t, do check it out.

Good Luck,
Natalie Robinson Garfield
TheSenseConnection.wordpress.com

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