I am going to brag on my son

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My sons do scouting through our church. I have been working with my older boys to finish the requirements for their religous knot. One of the last things they needed to do was write a letter to a parent, grandparent, or teacher telling them what they appreciate and respect about them. On Sunday, I had them write it. All I told them is was that it needed to be meaningful and more than a quick 2-3 sentences scribbled down. Preferrably a couple paragraphs. They worked independently, but both wrote their letters to me. (Probably trying to earn some brownie points. )

I truly wasn't expecting too much. Sometimes when my AS son is being rude to his little sisters. I ask him to pay them a compliment to make them feel better and his remarks are usually along the lines of "nice shirt, sissy." So I pretty much expected something along the lines of thanks for taking me fun places. I finally had time to read them last night and I am very proud of them both, but especially my AS son's letter. .

He wrote 3 nice paragraphs with some of these words:

"I also know you care for me."
"You always are funny, cute and like to play with me."
"I like your ways of helping me..."
"I really admire you on the way you handle things. Like when you get me to take deep breaths."
"Thank you for being my Mom."


Some days are a struggle and I get tired of pushing him, even when I know it is for his benefit. I feel empathy for him because I know more is asked of him than other kids and sometimes I think I couldn't have even done all he does when I was a kid. However, then I have a day where I just can't have the time and necessary amount of patience with him. I remember really not liking my Mom for a time as a teen, but then as an adult, being able to see her point of view. On the hard days, I often have wondered if my son would ever, even as an adult, be able to get that I wasn't doing it to him, but for him. This gives me hope that if he can see some of this at 9 1/2, maybe he will be able to see the big picture when he is an adult.

but isn't pride a sin? Ooh, it's even a deadly sin!

Give me my momet.

Whether it is NT or AS kids. Parenting is one of the most humbling things on the planet. Tomorrow I will probably once again be shown that I am doing it all wrong.

I think it's definitely something to be proud of (and not in the negative sense of the word!!)

All any parent wants is for their child to be thoughtful and caring. It sounds like you are doing a great job!

I got really excited and proud of my boy recently for standing up for his sister on the playground! He often seems so oblivious when she's been hurt or something. But one day, a kid came down the slide really fast and hit her with their feet. She's 2 and he's 4.5. He stood up and said, "Hey, watch out for my sister! Don't hit her!" I nearly hit the floor! I encouraged him to give the other child a little slack and say, "Hey, watch next time, my sister could get hurt." But, I also praised him for watching out for her. This was something I've really been concerned about.... so, I totally get where you are coming from! It's very exciting to see this stuff in our kids!

I don't think that pride is a sin, and there's nothing wrong with being proud of your autistic child. I'm also proud of your child. I'm very happy for you as well. I wish for you to have many more proud moments with your son, in the future.