Every time I catch myself humming or singing, I hesitate. It wasn’t always like that. I’ve never claimed to be a good singer, but I’ve always enjoyed singing along to classics in the kitchen.
I’ve found myself hesitating because whenever I start singing, a little voice will suddenly shout “BAD SINGING”.
There’s not a better or quicker way to shut someone up.
This is a regular occurrence in our household. My husband is spared from our son’s honest reviews, so I guess his performances pass the Lucas test – haha.
Let’s try something…
In a playful attempt to challenge this new status quo, I gave it another go, belting out a tune only to offer Lucas a choice afterward: “Is Mummy’s singing GOOD or GREAT?”
Without missing a beat, he doubled down: “VERY VERY BAD.”
A clear verdict that put me in my place. There’s no fooling this little guy.
Honest, sometimes too honest
While I can often find humour in Lucas’s blunt critiques of my singing, there are moments when the unvarnished truth from our children can sting. Their words are straightforward, sometimes to the point of seeming harsh, which can be particularly jarring for those who aren’t aware of a child’s autism.
Many autistic individuals can be known for their remarkable honesty—they communicate exactly what they perceive, without the filters non-autistic people might apply.
I’ve learned to not take these blunt observations to heart; understanding that they represent his viewpoint only —a pure reflection of how my son interprets the world around him.
So what do I do now? Well, you’ll still catch me belting out tunes in the kitchen…
When I’m home alone!
No critics around, no ears hurt in the process!
How do your children keep you grounded with their honesty? Have they ever offered you a “review” that brought a smile or a wince.
You are not alone
I share my personal stories—some sad, some funny, some out of frustration —to connect with other families on the spectrum. When we received our autism diagnosis, I felt alone. Conversations with other families helped me realize that wasn’t true, we’re not alone.
Know someone navigating family life on the spectrum? Please share this story with them. And if you’re a family on the spectrum looking for support, consider downloading my free PDF, “5 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Family on the Spectrum’s Anxiety”.