Friday, January 18, 2013

Always Learning

If there is anything certain in the world of parenthood it must be that we as parents are always learning!

My son Leyton is 7 years old and has autism.  He is a relatively happy little boy but very set in his ways.  Once something enters his mind there is no changing it!  Sunday, on our way to church, Leyton was very upset - whining, crying, carrying on.  He did not want to go to church!  My husband and I were "encouraging" him to quiet down and accept that we were indeed going to church.  Finally Leyton cried out "I need POWER, you need to act silly!"

Well, that was most unexpected, but totally hilarious as well.  The wording was a little odd, but very clear in the thoughts Leyton was trying to convey.  He was feeling oppressed and lacking control over his situation.  He needed...power...  And, he was tired of us telling him to stop crying, essentially stop feeling his feelings.  He needed us to stop being controlling so he told us to act silly!  How amazing, that he has that depth of understanding into his own feelings and how miraculous that he found the words to express himself!

We continually underestimate our kids and they never fail to meet that challenge!