Thursday, November 4, 2010

What do I love about Xander

This weeks Special Needs Blog Hop question: What do I love best about Xander? Hmmm...I don't know that I have a favorite. His sweetness and smile are definitely up there. I guess one of my favorite things about him is his absolute honesty. What you see is what you get. When he laughs, he is happy; when he cries, he is sad or hurt; when he yells, he is angry. I never have to guess; it's always there in his face or actions. His lack of filter is also one of the things I dislike. It can be a double-edged sword. Here's an example of an average outing:

 
Scenario: We are at the mall. A woman with three children is trying to navigate the crowds while keeping her kids under control. A daunting task at the best of times. The oldest two are arguing and the baby is screaming at the top of his/her lungs. I completely sympathize. In steps Xander:
  • Xander: MOMMY, THAT BOY NEEDS A TIME-OUT.
  • Me: It's ok, Xander.
  • Xander: THAT BOY NEEDS A TIME-OUT FOR HITTING THAT GIRL.
  • Me: Don't worry about it, Xander.
  • Xander: THAT BABY IS LOUD AND ANGRY.
  • Me: Xander, you need to use your inside voice.
  • Xander: (yelling whisper)THAT BABY IS LOUD AND ANGRY.
  • Me: Xander, what kind of car do you like?
  • Xander: I'M GOING TO DRIVE A TOYOTA TUNDRA WHEN I GROW UP. CAN I DRIVE A TOYOTA TUNDRA WHEN I GROW UP?
  • Me: Sure.
He'll then perserverate on driving several different cars when he grows up. It's one of the only ways I can redirect him.

 
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AutismLearningFelt

7 comments:

  1. The honesty is lovely, but hard work at times. Still, he will always let you know things and that has to be good! Jen (SN bloghop)

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  2. I hear you. My son loves it when a baby is crying. He giggles and smiles. He's also not too easily redirected.

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  3. Redirection is tough stuff and never a quick process!
    It sure was tough to come up with just one thing I love about my Little Bird!
    http://www.imjustthatway.com/2010/11/what-i-love-most-about-bird.html

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  4. Visiting from the special needs blog hop! just wanted to say I love this hop and all the wonderful people in it. I have really enjoyed reading everyones answers this week. I am now following your blog and can not wait to get to know your little one better

    dotcomkari.blogspot.com

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  5. Oh yeah, my daughter finds nothing more entertaining than other children fussing or, even better, getting bawled out by their mother. I don't think the Toyota Tundra stuff would work with her...it would probably have to be the finer points of Baby Einstein.

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  6. Tammy and Lynn: Xander is also very fascinated by upsest children. He has fits of giggles and tries to get as close to them as he can. I'm waiting for the day he gets clocked by some angry kid. Maybe he'd stop at that point.

    The other great question for redirection is, "Xander, what do you want for Christmas?"

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