Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Belle rocks!


It's an interesting experience, this parenting gig! Especially when you have one child with Autism and the other with Attitude! Button and Belle are two such different characters that watching them together is always going to be fun, but in recent weeks it's taken a whole new turn. Let me explain......

Button has never (and I actually mean NEVER) had a conversation with another child (including Belle) without being prompted and guided, and having some big pay off at the end. Usually chips. He just doesn't "do" children - I think they're too unpredictable for him.

Two weeks ago, he arrived home from school and as usual ran in to the sitting room to jump in the window and wave at the bus. Belle was in there on her laptop. I was just about to enter the room when i heard the following

Belle: Hello Button! How was your day?
Button: Fine thanks!
Belle: Good. What did you do?
Button: I played Bingo
Belle: What else?
Button: I did photocopying for Teacher
Belle: Wow! Very Good! Anything else?
Button: Work. I was working for the iTouch

To say that my jaw hit the floor would be an understatement. I was immediately on the phone to everyone I could think of, and posted it on facebook. Proud Mama moment!!!

But since then it has happened nearly every day. My children are actually talking to each other. And not just about what Button did in school. Belle will ask him a question and he will answer her directly. Nearly every time. He is also beginning to look for her to interact with and if I ask him to go and check if she's ok, he does it willingly. I have always felt that he loves her in his own way, but now we're seeing the beginnings of an actual sibling relationship, and it's beautiful to watch.

She's some girl, my daughter. A lot of kids would have given up trying by now, there's only so much being ignored a 4 year old can take. But not Belle. She is such a good sister to Button. She accepts him exactly as he is, and understands totally that he needs some help with things that she can do herself. She holds his hand (tightly!)when we're out, answers his many repetitive questions and gives him his favourite keys or teddy if she finds them lying around. She really is Button's best friend and ally in this world and I'm so proud of her!

14 comments:

  1. Awwww, that is just brilliant. I love that Belle doesn't stand for the being ignored bit, her persistance paid off. She will be a force to be reckoned with in her teens :D:D WTG Button, what a massive step forward. You will have great fun now Taz, eavesdropping on their funny conversations :D Jen. xxx

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  2. Thats so lovely Its fantastic for you as well as them, that they have this relationship You are right to be proud they both sound like fabulous kids x x

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  3. Belle sounds very intuitive and mature for a four-year old. She knows how to be his friend, to hold his hand tightly, to ask questions he can answer. Sounds like the start of a beautiful friendship! Great news xx

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  4. well done Belle for being a great sister for button, I can tell that your mum is so proud of you. Lovely post, long may their little chats continue xxx

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  5. This is wonderful. I can imagine your heart swelling when you witness this. They obviously have a special relationship. I hope that R will have this one day too. Someone who will 'get her', and bring her on and be an ally. Likewise I think she herself has a lot to offer if given a chance!

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  6. This is a gigantic leap and it makes me so happy. Button is a lucky little fella to have a pretty cool 4 year old therapist to keep him on his toes 24/7.
    Equally, Belle is very lucky to have Button draw out the compassion and maturity that is within her.
    Hey, a Hollywood moment in Drawda?!?! Who knew it could happen???
    I am thrilled for your lovely family.
    XXX

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  7. That is one of the loveliest things I have ever read xxx

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  8. thats fantastic, you must be one proud momma, but well done belle, she sounds wise beyond her years and a perfect sister, plus well done button too.

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  9. love it love it just fantastic

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  10. Big moment is right!!! Joey has recently started to "tolerate" rachel, so I totally get it Taz xx

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  11. Well, she just takes after her big hearted, wise and dedicated Mammy then. Doesn't she?

    xx

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  12. That's fantastic....and you've every right to be a proud mama! I guess all that prompting and rewarding has paid off then ;-) And isn't Belle a fabulous sister for Button? She's great. xx Jazzy

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  13. Thats fantastic Taz! You are right to be proud! Well done Belle on being a super sister xx

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  14. I loved reading this, Taz. And I'm glad to meet you! I am always fascinated by how intuitive my little girl is with her big brother (who has cerebral palsy). She sometimes is able to translate what he's saying better than my husband and I can! Although like any siblings, she is also competitive with him. Which I don't mind seeing—it's nice to see them treat each other like any other siblings.

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