"And I'll just go for it."
I had one of those experiences with Simon last night on our way to the swimming pool reminding me once again that he is just downright awesome.
Drive-through McDonald's is one of our things. We go through a pretty stable routine each time: ordering a Happy Meal for the toy (especially Kung Fu Panda toys - he and Chris saw the movie last weekend) and chicken nuggets; talking about the number one window + the number two window; choosing between OJ, chocolate milk, or the occasional Sierra Mist.
Let me step back a minute and preface this by saying we have been having some major food battles lately. I hate the word battle because that implies a winner and a loser...our goal is to get him to try something new at each meal and take one very small bite as a "no thank you" bite (along with getting some variety into his diet). Trust me, it has been one of the biggest challenges in our experience as parents.
Back to last night and the story at hand. I put in the regular order for a Happy Meal with chicken nuggets. After pulling out and heading down the road I hand the box back to him and he pulls out a cheeseburger. On past adventures this could have resulted in a major upset (or me simply turning around and going back to McDonald's to correct our order). I see the burger in the rearview mirror as I am checking the clock to see how much time we have to make it to the pool before the "sorry we are full" sign goes up. In the span of seconds I am wondering to myself which is going to be worse: not getting the expected chicken nuggets or not getting to swim?
But he didn't freak out.
"Hey, here's a hamburger," he said and started to pass it to me. No whining. No crying. No freaking out.
Somehow I managed to say, "How about trying that cheeseburger tonight?" I braced a bit as I waited for the issue to escalate.
He simply said, "Okay."
It was an "okay" in a super cheerful manner that demonstrated no indication of ever having issues with different foods. At that point I should have just pulled over and did the craziest celebration dance possible that he was even okay with the idea of opening the package let alone take a bite.
I tried super hard not to make a big deal about. "That sounds like a plan," I said as I peeked into the rear-view mirror to see if he was really going to actually for real take a bite. And he did. No big deal. No fanfare. No saying "this is gross." No protesting. Just a little nibble bite along the edge and then he set it back down on the plastic wrapper in his lap.
"Did you like it?" I asked?
"I did."
In my head I was freaking out. Holy cow this could be it. This could be the breakthrough we have been hoping for and working towards related to not making a huge deal out of trying a new food.
"Are you going to eat some more?"
"Yes. I like hamburgers."
We drove along and he munched on his french fries amidst telling me stories about the Higglytown Heroes episode he had been watching on the computer before leaving for the pool.
"Are you going to eat any more hamburger?" I asked as we continued on our way.
"Yes, I'll just go for it."
In reality he didn't even hit the meat, cheese, ketchup or anything except the bun.
But man, what a great start.
Go for it, Simon, go for it.
Ali, I can relate to you.
I remember how we talked about our boys being very picky about meals. I couldn't help but cry reading this story. It IS a breakthrough, Ali. I can see both your excitement and relief. I wish I could give you a huge hug, and of course Simon, too. I am so so happy for you two.
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What a fabulous story! It made me laugh because I had a similar experience with my son yesterday. He has Asperger's Syndrome, and thus, some major food issues as well.
He loves McDonalds Chicken Breast Strips. We were out for a some errands, and I asked him if he would like to try the new southern style chicken sandwich because I had a few free coupons. I could see it in his eyes, the battle between his desire for chicken strips and the promise he made himself to try new things. He asked a lot of questions. I explained that there is just a yummy bun, a piece of chicken that is similar to a strip, and that he could order it without the pickles. He still looked concerned, but decided to give it a try. Now you have to realize that Marc doesn't like anything to touch. He'll eat the bread, the meat, and the cheese, but not in a sandwich. He loves steak, but has to have the veggies on a separate plate. So a piece of chicken on a bun is big thing.
When he sat down with his sandwich he looked at it with that I'm-going-to-be-sick look he's been giving to food all his life.
But he finally took a nibble, and as he chewed, a smile grew on his face. I began to hope....and then he opened wide and took a big, enthusiastic bite. It was a public place, so I performed my jig in my head.
Marc is 19 years old...it's a process. I feel some sisterhood going on here.
Congratulations! Simon sounds like a wonderful little guy.
Have a great day.
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Congratulations :)
What a fabulous thing to celebrate.
xoxoxo
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So you did eventually do the celebratory dance right??? Because this is so worth celebrating!
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That is just AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! woohoooo!!!!!!!! Yay Simon!!!
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Your sharing brings tears to my eyes and fond (yet frustrating!) memories of my picky eater son (who is now 20). Hurray that he calmly decided to have the hamburger (even if he stuck with the bun). I learned that there was something important about my son being the one to make the decision to try something new rather than it coming from us. And I can't tell you how many peanut butter sandwiches (it seemed like years) I made before he was willing to make a switch. Also, what does Simon have at school for lunch? It is amazing how much kids start to change when they see their peers eating different choices. My son didn't really start being more adventuresome until middle school and beyond (currently 20 years old). And even now he floors me; he has disliked Chinese food his entire life, but last time home actually suggested Chinese food for dinner. My stunned expression didn't go unnoticed and he called me on that. Growing up and experiencing new things is always a process. Good for you for keeping things matter of fact, and cyber hugs for the breakthrough. I think I'll happy dance right along beside you. And I get to come home to Eugene this weekend to watch my stepdaughter graduate from U of O! So anxious to come home to the green of the Willamette Valley; hoping Lonepine Farms is open and strawberries are available....
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Oh I am sat here absolutely besides myself and enjoying every word you write and feel as if I was there - it felt real in your words. Sometimes a story is not relayed with so much feeling and emotion and that story had it all.
Dare I say I welled up?
Burger no bun.... sounds like a 5 minute vegan experiment if nothing else ;)
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Whoo-Hoo, Simon!!!! You rock, man.
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that give me goosebumps. I love moments like that. Thanks for sharing it.
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What a great accomplishment for Simon.
Way to go!
Isn't it those little things (although I know this is not a little thing for you guys) that they achieve that just makes your heart swell?
Do I suspect there will be a layout about this somewhere in the near future?
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Love the great story. So very proud of Simon!!! High fives little man!! =)
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I feel like doing a little celebration dance for you, Ali. It seems that you and Chris really work with Simon and this is a big accomplishment for all of you!
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beautiful! thanks for sharing!
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Yay Simon! We are going through the same battle with a little 4 yr old man here. It must be in the air tonight because I served real chicken tenders sliced with McDonalds Sauce and encouraged him to give it a shot. I almost choked on my food because he ate it - ALL! Such a large victory in our house.
Here's to little boys trying new things!
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OK. Your post just made me smile HUGE!! I have food struggles with my picky 3 year old and get excited when HE tries something new. That is a FABULOUS milestone for Simon! Congrats! Congrats! : )
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That's awesome Ali! Sometimes my boy (7yrs) does that sort of thing for me too and it's always a huge releif. So good to know he's capable of it. My experience has been there's regression sometimes, but then the good things happen more frequently. If that happens for Simon, remember, he did it once, he'll do it again. Hopefully though, he'll just be over it althogether. Good Luck!
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Along w/everyone else, sending you lots of congrats! My new motto is "I'll just go for it"! Food is always a battle w/our 6-year-old, we just keep trying. You're an amazing parent. Thanks for sharing your family with us.
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My favorite thing is when the kid will you give you a catch phrase that you can maybe use again to initiate a desired behavior "Yeah, Let's go for it!" I do adore Playhouse Disney for just that reason. I seem to get more success when I sound like a Disney writer.
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As someone who works with children with special needs this brought tears to my eyes, tears through a great big grin for Simon!!! He is a ROCK STAR!!
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Yay!!!! Yay for trying new things and celebrating them along the way :) :)
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Isn't funny the things that excite us when we're "grown up"...I know what you mean though, your insides are SCREAMING and CHEERING the remarkable milestone.
Those moments really rank up there don't they? Oh how wonderful they are*!*
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Ali, I am SOOO excited for you! I felt your every emotion as I read your McDonald's story. I have a 4 year old boy with Autism and we are going through the same thing - McDonald's drive thru and everything. We're still stuck on just the fries though. But thanks for the encouragement. You are inspiring! I met you personally at CK Scrapbooking Convention in Bellevue last November and I've felt an "autism mother bond" with you ever since. Thanks for your inspiration!
Sherida
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One thing first...I just LOVE the way you share your heartfelt peeks into the Edwards home...It is vastly appreciated.
Two things that helped us get through the years of picky eating...
1. Serving foods they don't like in front of their friends who do and watching them devour it.
2. Putting food you really want them to eat (like veggies, or protein) on a little snack plate before supper, when they are at their hungriest. Then you can relax more at dinner together..
3. I know I said two things, but here is one more. I never, never, made a special meal for any of my kids who would not eat what was for supper. I just told them, OK, but nothing until breakfast. They didn't starve, ate a bigger than normal breakfast, and gradually tried more and more things. They are 21, 18, and 15 now, and are fantastic eaters.
Hugs...we have all been there!
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very cool ali! that IS a huge deal! his language skills really seem to be growing! ... slp in wa
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What a fantastic story Ali. I'm so proud of Simon! I teared up and got chills - and I don't even know you!
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