Kids will be kids

Zoe recently had her first experience with other children teasing Max. A group of neighbor kids were playing in our backyard enjoying this amazing weather and one of the kids made fun of Max's long hair.  Interestingly enough it wasn't the behaviors associated with ASD that were the target. Instead, the child said, "Ha, ha, Max looks like a girl with that long hair!" This is really very innocuous and so typical of children, but Zoe laid into him like the kid punched Max or something. She said, "That's my brother, don't talk about him mean!" She was so mad, but I was so proud. Somewhere in her mind she knows that Max cannot stick up for himself and she has made it her own special mission to be his protector. I don't want her flipping out every time another kid makes fun of Max, but I was beaming with pride that she wasn't going to let anything slide.

We have talked to her about how others react to Max and Avery and she has witnessed plenty on her own. We have explained to her that it is alright to stick up for the kids when others are mean, but not to ever be physical or mean herself. She is a smart child well beyond her years and I am so glad she doesn't even blink before reacting to others. It is that kind of passion she will need in years to come when kids only become more cruel. A few years ago she used to explain to the staring eyes of Target and Cub Foods, "My brother has autism and his brain is broken." Now she just goes in there as a fierce protector. Atta Girl Zoe! Mommy is so very proud of what a big and bold heart you possess.