A few weeks ago Miss 5 was insistent that we have pancakes for lunch. Having the sweet tooth that she does they were served covered in copious amounts of maple syrup. After devouring them (and more sugar than we ever needed!) she watched Sesame Street on TV.
When Sesame Street finished Miss 5 disappeared back inside, and Miss 7 came out to watch the show that was on next. Miss 7 stuck around for several different kids shows, then also disappeared back inside. Then Miss 3C came out and quietly watched another TV show.
In between all the TV watching that was going on different parts wrote in our journal. Lots of conversation was had, and a few issues raised to discuss in therapy. It turned out to be an incredibly productive afternoon.
Given how helpful it was, we tried it again a week or so later. This time Miss 7 got to help with making the pancakes, and thankfully, there was less maple syrup involved! Then, as with the week before, there were more kids TV shows, lots of journalling, and talking inside.
Now we’re waiting for groceries to be delivered so we have the ingredients to make more pancakes. This time Miss 21 is going to be making the pancakes. Before she starts cooking I’ll get out our journal, pens, pencils, and other art supplies. Then, once we’ve eaten, anything goes.
Allowing time for everyone to come out has been really helpful. There aren’t any rules aside from keeping the body safe, and not leaving the house. Older parts, myself included, are always around to help out if need be. Younger parts can play with their toys, draw, watch TV, or write with help from others.
The other part we’ve had to be careful of is making sure we’re home alone. We have a lovely housemate, but they don’t know the extent of our mental health issues. We’ve mentioned depression and anxiety to them, but nothing about trauma, dissociation, or DID. These pancake afternoons are very carefully planned to make sure we’re alone, and won’t be interrupted.
Life as a Committee 
Just want to say, because I can never say I enough, that I love you and your blog so much! It’s so helpful, so inspiring, and it makes me feel like “one of us” instead of a total freak. Pancake days are a great idea! I almost wish you were my housemate, because I think pancake days should be celebrated more than hidden!
Thank you always for being so open!
Aww, thanks!
I’d love to be more open with our pancake day at home, but I’m truly not sure how my housemate would take it. Plus we’re all more comfortable with rapid switching and younger parts being out when we’re alone.
Also – you’re normal! Trauma and dissociation, and DID doesn’t make anyone a freak. It’s an utterly amazing way of having survived. Something to be proud of ❤
I’m struggling with the thought of being a “survivor” tbh, this is actually really hard concept for me.
I’m sorry you struggle with that, and hope I haven’t triggered you.
No of course not, it’s helping…ish I guess.
Knowing that others go through what I go though and that I’m not alone in this ugh world.
Hi. I missed your comment somehow on thxe video of Dear Little Ones on youtube. So I thought I’d just pay a visit to your blog! 🙂 Of course you can share it if you still want to. I think pancake days sound like a marvelous idea. Take care.