"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.
GIRL - we had the SAME exact occurance last week. only i was out of town. so i got a phone call.. my daughter telling me.. "momma - we are MAD at wendy's! no chicken nuggets and NO CHEESE!" i had no idea what this meant - but my husband later explained - she got a plain hamburger instead. she tried it - without a meltdown! (we too have MAJOR meltdowns over food) she ended her meal, telling daddy - "we're mad at Wendys! we place dour order - and they got it wrong! we don't want to go there again, but if we do, i'll have a hamburger. but this time with cheese!" it was the first time she'd tried one! and that's right! Go for it!
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I feel ya! I remember when Parker would freak out like that over the little things. I remember the chicken nuggets only phase too. A friend of mine once noticed that Parker ate only yellow foods. Mac-n-cheese, Ramen noodles, Chicken nuggets, bread, corn (it was the ONLY veggie he'd eat), etc. I'm not sure if it was an autistic/texture thing or not. With the help of the "no thank you bite" he's come a long way. He actually likes to "try" everything we eat now. You've got good times ahead of you! :-)
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Congratulations!
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Oh wow Ali. My eyes welled up as I read this story, and I did a little happy dance (on the inside) for you! It hit so close to home. The whole food thing can be a real cause of stress if you let it, and it's moments like this that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am so happy that a little speck of light shone through for you today.
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Congratulations!!!
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Go SIMON! And go Ali! So great that he handled not only a new food, but a surprise and change in a favorite routine with such calmness and good humor. I'll bet he's heard the words "go for it" at other times from other people--so exciting that he's internalizing them and using them to calm, encourage and express himself!
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I love that! I'm going to have to remember to "just go for it" a little more often!
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YEAH Simon!!
Congrats Ali!
Boy, you sure are a great writer. When you tell a story (like this one), you have me (literally) jumping for joy and smiling ever-so proudly right here in front of my computer!! [And then, my husband walk's by my office door, peeks his head in and say's, "jump a little higher, I don't think they saw you"!! ]
(you have no idea how hard I'm laughing right now...)
Anyway, fabulous news darlin'!!
GO FOR IT, SIMON!!
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This is a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it Ali! AND I AM SO HAPPY for you guys! What a breakthough! Kim
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Congratulations!!
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That's really great! What a awesome moment for the both of you.
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hi ali :)
i felt really compelled to come by and read your blog tonight and now i know why!
oh how i long for the *okay i'll try it* day to come without the meltdown. thankyou for telling me that they do come.go simon go!
our beautiful 4yr old was diagnosed with autism this past tuesday.
love lusi x
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oh Ali, how wonderful it is! Here at home I have the same problem with my almost 3 yo, it is a battle! so happy to know that he tried the hamburger! yourblog wasn't loading for me either, glad it is back :) have a great weekend!
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Wow! I am pleased and I'm not even the one experiencing the parenting battles with Simon. I can relate, though, to the diet/food issues as I have a five year old sugar booger that makes every meal a negotiation. Way to go Simon and I feel his independence and self-control coming through your words. I love his, too. "I'll just go for it." What an inspirational statement from such a young man. Love it. Hope he continues to embrace situations by just "going for it"!
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Hi Ali,
I'm a speech-language pathologist and I work with kids with ASD. Your story was totally heart-warming to me. I love to hear those kinds of successes from parents. And I would have totally got out and done the happy dance (but doing it inside is just as good). Way to go!!!
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That's great news! My son didn't eat pancakes until he was 12 and still has never had a hamburger! But, at least he loves all his veggies!
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How wonderful! Kids and food are always a challenge. My son will eat almost anything but on occasion he will boycott what's on his plate in favor of what's on someone else's! Or spit it out altogether.
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Several of our 5 children had issues with trying new foods. Our rule was you had to try one bite. In the case of mixed veggies, you could take out one kind of veggie but had to eat the rest. Anyway, they are all adults now and good 'eaters'. I think those 'bites of childhood' do help set the table for the future palate. Keep on enjoying those minor triumphs Ali!
Way to go Simon!
Sue
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OH Ali, that's just so freakin awesome!!
YAY SIMON!!!!
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What a GREAT STORY and one I can relate too!!!
my son also is on the spectrum and we haven't gotten to the point were he is much into trying "new" foods. I can totally relate to your story, it's a great feeling when something GREAT like that happens to our kids.
Great job Simon.
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Hi Ali! Great news on the cheeseburger. My son is the same way!
On a side note, what kind of camera are using to snap all of your beautiful family memories? I have always loved your style, but know that good equipment is essential too!
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I feel your food/child/battle pain. My 6 yr old is the same way and the freaking out is definitely anticipated on my part.
It's amazing how each little success means SO MUCH!
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ALLELUIA, ALI!!!!
So very happy for you and for Simon on this development!
Your love and patience are bearing fruit.
Only other parents can really GET these challenges, and we all get it, Ali! You are loved and supported.
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I have to tell you as I was reading your story, I was on the edge of my seat just hoping he took that first bite! Congratulations to Simon! This steps may seem small to some, but in reality are down right HUGE! I am just giddy for you!!!
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oh I am so happy for you and Simon! that is a breakthrough!!! thank you for sharing your story :)
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