Documenting Simon.

Fabulous photos as usual, Ali. I love seeing Simon grow up through your photos and stories. What a special guy! Love the silly face.

Simon continues to tug at my heartstrings...and here is the wy we handled the dilemma of 'individuality' at our house: When my kids wanted to do something I didn't, I checked my criteria: Will it hurt them/someone else? Is it 'appropriate' (no nudity while at the grocery store, etc.) and if it fit, I let them do as they desired. But they DID have to listen to my reasons, as well!--and eventually found that they 'got it' and began to conform appropriately. And for the record, my kids ALWAYS, it seemed, got the seasons backward. Constantly telling them to take off their coat in the summer, and to put it on in the winter! Kudos to you, Ali, for allowing Roberta's mother-wisdom to open your heart.

When my son was 3 he fell in love with his rain boots. We live in Sacramento where it often tops 100 in the summer.
He wore those fuzz lined boots everyday for the whole summer. He wore them with shorts and no shirt,and even with his bathing suit. I was happy because I didn't have to tie them and he was happy because he got to wear what he wanted.
With three kids I rarely make an issue out of clothes, unless it is a special occasion. My daughter and I have a deal (although she is always attempting to renegotiate the terms) that she can wear what she wants most days. I get to choose for trips and special occasions.
Simon is darling. You're doing a great job.

that is some serious wisdom. I am taking that to heart and hopefully will remember to apply it when necessary! Thanks for the comment Roberta and for sharing Ali!

Good point about the long sleeves in desert climates.
I've also heard about mamas who teach their child to read a thermometer & then have set guidelines based on the temp outdoors. The idea with that is to take as much drama out of the picture as possible and put the responsibility on the child to pick out the right items based on the temp.
I've considered doing this myself with our son who is hesitant to put on a jacket when he NEEDS one during the winter months. I want to teach him how to grab a jacket when he needs to without my input (and without my begging & cajoling!). :-)

At REI they sell special clothing that is long sleeved, but still very cool. I think it is actually for people with allergies/sensativities towards the sun, but they could work nicely here, too.
:)
Tammy

My autistic four year old has been living in his jeans for a few months now. The only time he'll take them off is for baths, getting wet outside, and diaper changing time...then he wants them right back on. I now have a stash of jeans, so that there are always clean ones. He will wear tshirts now...but he did the long sleeve shirt phase. That Roberta lady really rocks...I love her and don't even know her. I love when others understand....even if at times we don't. :)

I am amazed at the growth and progress Simon has made over the past couple of years. You must be so excited and thrilled. The skateboard looks like fun and I hope he enjoys it. For what it's worth, I agree with Roberta. Happy Fourth of July!
Sue

My oldest son (who is 6) always wants to wear long sweat pants (like today outside, 90 degrees). My husband often insists he switches to shorts, but I just go with the flow of things. (path of least resistance ... I just don't have the energy to argue with him! ...my son, not my hubby ;) lol)
Since I now have three, I have decided that if it will not physically hurt them to do what they want, let them. Otherwise, you will always be fighting. And with my three very stubborn, opinionated boys, that would be ALWAYS. sigh.

This is such a beautiful topic. Thank you to everyone for sharing. I love reading through all the great comments and advise. We have a 5 year old that has dressed herself for some time now, and I catch myself wanted to make "suggestions" from time-to-time. She is wonderfully creative and colorful (inside and out).

Such great comments have been shared. Clothing is an expression of personality too - nice to hear kids have a voice. I too have learned to go with the flow, once my boy 3 1/2 at the time went to the dentist in his PJ's as he just would not get dressed, I chose not to fight! The dentist actually encouraged it, and then when we left Noah wanted his clothes on - go figure. And Ali you are only just touching on the surface - you have a gorgeous little girl - my two year old is starting to dictate what she wears - ballet clothes or dorothy - so you could be up for some more fun ;) skirts over pants are a favourite!

I love this post!! My almost four year old little man has sensory integration issues and Hypotonia and I have learned so much from him about living "outside of the box". His quirks truly make our lives more interesting =0)

Kudos to you Ali for being a great mom. Sometimes we all have to rethink our "edicts" for our kids and it takes a great person be flexible about when things need to change. Thanks for sharing!

My little girl has ASD. We have trouble transitioning from sandals to regular shoes each fall. She'd rather have her toes out than deal with socks etc. Can't blame her really.
I wonder if the clothes make him more aware of his body? More aware of his movements etc, ie the brushing of the sleeves on his arms and the brushing of his pantlegs on his legs? Perhaps more centered?
I wonder if they make Underarmour in his size. Might be something to consider since it is supposed to keep ya cool in the summer yet insulate you in the winter. hmmm...........
If it makes you feel any better my Dad has to wear long sleeves to work every single day regardless of heat, etc. He works in an electrical plant and arms must be protected. Think of all the welders etc out there that have to have arms covered. Think of all the middle Eastern women who remain completely covered and in sometimes in black!
I just go with the flow with my child. She's the best little individual I know. I do maintain appropriate behavior but I don't sweat the small stuff. The small stuff always turns out to be the best stuff, the cutest stuff and the stuff that makes you smile after a tantrum etc. One of a kind baby! It's the only way to be. Peace.

Another long sleeve explaination - My husband and I owned a nursery back in the 90's and employed over 30 people from a variety of South American countries. They all wore long sleeved shirts. This was in Florida, in the summer, in greenhouses. Very hot. They all said the shirts not only protected them from the sun, but also wicked away the sweat and made it more comfortable to work.

Great to hear your story about long sleeves. My grandson has Down Sydnrome and is 4 years old. He loves to swing around a pair of tights especially when watching television. This swinging things can be a problem for DS children and sometimes adults also. One day when he was over I quietly took the tights away when he wasn't looking. This is what special ed had encouraged us to do so they would not continue the habit as teenagers. Well he looked at me and looked around and without making a sound his eyes were flooded with tears, they were streaming down his face. Now you might think that that isn't a big deal but Sebastian hardly ever cries. It broke my heart seeing him and now I have a rule that he can swing to his heart's content while we are at home but no swinging outside the house and he is very happy with this arrangement. Keep up the good work with your son, he will appreciate it when he is older and wiser.

This cracked me up. My son (just turned 8) won't wear shorts (unless he's swimming). Today we went to a pool and it hit 90 degrees (I live in the same general area as you do) but he still wore jeans to and from the pool. I just can't imagine:)

Thank you so much for this post - I have a son too who preferes long sleves and pants even during this hottest summer ever - and now I know: This is his comfort zone, not mine to fight. So thank you! *hugs* :D

Your post made me smile. It looks like Simon is doing tremendously well. I love that your blog readers give you support and leave you with tidbits that made you think. You're a great mom, Ali, and when you share, we all learn. :)

I remember when I was about 5, I would wear long sleeves in the summer. I even remember the feeling of wanting to be warm as if it was yesterday. Just wanted to add that. I think parents think their kids are as warm or cold as we are but they have a lot less meat on their bones, they don't get as over heated as we do.