contextually speaking

[phinnia]

The child's favorite thing in all the world is half a travel toothbrush case. Longtime readers will remember that he took it with him into the operating room when he went in for his dental work. He likes to stim with it, which he achieves by flicking it in front of his mouth and blowing across the top

Comments

[m_dash]

That's a good story: it's good to remember that you're living with and raising *your* kid, not a story about a child, or a collection of anecdotes about kids that age or in that set of circumstances. I like hearing about his kindness and generosity.

[phinnia]

I think that's the most vital piece, exactly - knowing it's *your* kid and measuring him against himself. I try to remember that - sometimes I slip up, like everyone does, but most of the time it really does help.

[weaktwos]

Very cool. Yes, cussing in context is key. It's bound to happen when you have steadfast tutors, like a parent in the military. It was through this medium that I learned to cuss properly at age 2.

[phinnia]

I had similar training with an ill-behaved teenage birthmother. One of my first words was apparently 'bitch.' :-D

[dolphingirl]

That is so sweet! Aww, Seaners :)

[phinnia]

It's really cute - he'll just put his hand on the stim toy to monitor what Chris is doing with it, and then he'll take it back after Chris is done.
(also - that icon is awesome. :-D)

[dolphingirl]

Hee hee, thanks! It reminds me of my own evil kitty twins :P

[phinnia]

he has a size thing - whatever stim object is favored has to be small enough to comfortably fit in his hand. :-D I think soda bottles would be too big, which is a shame 'cause they do make a far more awesome noise. :-)

[kengr]

I hesitate to suggest this because it might drive you nuts if he likes it...
Has Sean ever encountered a slide whistle?

[phinnia]

He has not. :-) But that's not a bad idea. (it's a different play pattern! plus after being subjected to nine billion consecutive hours of Madonna, I am pretty much numb to just about anything he does now as long as it doesn't involve fire.) :-D

[bork]

That is awesome.

[phinnia]

It makes for good interview material, too. "What is the strangest thing you can imagine testing?" "My five year old son."