I have three boys. Currently 12, 10 & 8. The oldest and the yougest have a very, very mild form of Autism called Asperger’s and even of that they have the mildest version of it. I call it Geek’s Disease as its “symptoms” are usually odd physical behaviors coupled with being very smart but little or no social concepts.
But my middle son is pretty normal (barring the odd touch of ADD!) And he balances out the other two fitting perfectly between them. Sometimes playing with the older one and then switching easily into playing with the younger one. As a matter of fact they all play so well together they don’t bother with school friends! I suspect that might change when puberty hits!
Today… he managed to completely crack me up, twice! Which is basically one of the biggest perks to kids.. they come out with great comedic lines sometimes.
So the oldest was (again) telling me about some episode of a show he watched that he found funny. This is his way of “sharing” what he found great in hopes you will too. So I’m patiently listening to the most ridiculous plot involving the Fantastic Four (cartoon version from the 80’s) and an alien invasion where the aliens decided to camouflage their ship into the Apartment of the Fantastic Four. Sad I have to hear this shit much less remember it to relay a story! My middle son is also in the kitchen (as he’s a snacker like me) and he’s getting the same earful I’m getting about all the mistakes the aliens are making. Difference is he’s paying attention!
And he blurts out in exasperation, “What! Is this their FIRST invasion!?” As if invasions are happening ALL the time and these guys are obviously newbies at it! I laughed for 10 minutes while they both stared at me.. happy I was cracking up but completely confused as to why. It’s just so normal to them that aliens are invading, again.
Then later that same day I was torturing same said middle child by warming my (icy cold) hands on his body. He was lounging across a chair so I sat on him and put my hands under his shirt. I’m saying, “Aaaahhhhhhhhh.” While he’s screaming, “AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!”
Very fun and funny… I do this all the time to the kids. Then mid-scream my middle son calmly says, “Hey, do I get paid for this?” Remembering the fact one of their chores is to be my “assistant.”
Ah, I’ve trained them well if they automatically think of money when forced to put up with torture! Welcome to the working world, boy!