The Santa Bomb
At 15, Griffin is finally developmentally to the point where he understands (sometimes) that there are consequences to his actions. This basically means we can finally act like “real” parents and threaten him with stuff (like losing computer privileges) in response to temper tantrums or other inappropriate behavior. We do not hold him to unrealistic standards and would never ground him for things he cannot control due to his autism. However, there are some behaviors for which he has coping tools, strategies, and knows how to control. If he doesn’t use his tools, there are consequences.
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I’m certain that his “consequences” differ widely from most NT 15 year olds. Below is a partial list of his consequences, starting from least severe to harshest;
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*As noted above, losing computer privileges for a period of time. This one usually backfires, because when he can’t use the computer, he joins us and bombards us with questions about the weather and traffic lights. Like a prisoner being water-boarded, we quickly give in and he is back on the computer within minutes.
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*No watching the Weather Channel for a period of time. He hates this one. He needs to be informed, 24/7 of weather conditions all over the world. This is relatively effective some times.
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*Cancellation of his weekly elevator safari. Most weekends Mrs. Big Daddy takes him to a variety of shopping malls so he can see traffic lights and ride a few elevators. This one works 90 – 95% of the time. Only drawback – Mrs. BD actually likes an excuse to go to the mall each weekend.
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These are most of the regular and most used tools in our repertoire. But, like the end of WWII, sometimes you need to take out the big one. No matter what time of year it is, if the conventional weaponry proves ineffective, we always have our game changer in our back pockets. Call it our Fat Boy, if you like.
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Santa Claus.
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Yup. Even at 15, Griffin believes whole heartedly in Santa. Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny as well. We use this to our advantage. All I have to do is pick up the phone and say, “I’m calling Santa” and the boy almost always snaps to attention. Griffin doesn’t really like gifts, but he is dreadfully afraid of being on the naughty list. Strange, since his dad never once made the “nice” list.
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Irrespective, I’m planning on using the Santa Claus Card as long as I can. Even when Griffin is older than Saint Nick himself.
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© 2012, Big Daddy. All rights reserved.
Dena
December 3rd, 2012 at 8:27 pm #
Love it! When he leaves the room, do you and Mrs. BD share a hearty ho-ho-ho?
Papa Bear
December 4th, 2012 at 6:05 pm #
The Big Bomb at our house has changed from time to time, but for the last few years, it’s been, “Stop doing that, or I’ll take away your Darth Vader underpants!”
Big Daddy
December 4th, 2012 at 10:56 pm #
@Papa Bear: That’s cold. Not the Darth Vader underpants!