This week’s word is Grow, and it’s popped up in lots of different ways for us this week.
Barney’s Getting Big!
First up, Grow definitely describes our Barney! He’s only just turned two, but my goodness, he’s already huge. Every time I look at him, he seems to have filled out even more. He’s strong as an ox but soft as anything with us, he’s a proper gentle giant (until someone tries to come through our gate unannounced). The kids are super safe with him outside, let’s put it that way.
It’s lovely watching him grow into himself and not just his size. He’s so much better behaved now he’s growing up. My big munchkin!



Some Things You Don’t ‘Grow Out Of’
Someone said something to me this week that really stuck. They told me my autistic son would ‘grow out of it’. This was after an awful day of meltdowns and physical outbursts, we had with him. He got extremely overwhelmed, and we knew then that the rest of the day was going to be an absolute nightmare. Meltdowns are physically and emotionally draining, not just for Joben, but for all of us around him.
I know they probably meant well, but it really grinds my gears and no doubt other parents of autistic children, too! Autism isn’t something you grow out of, it’s part of who my boy is. What he is growing into is a clever, kind, funny little man who I’m so proud of every single day. So no, he won’t ‘grow out of it’ but he will grow up still autistic, loved and entirely his beautiful self.
I think I need to write more on this topic, in the hope that it helps people understand more about autism.

Thankful For A Little Rain
Grow sums up what’s happening outside, too. We had a little bit of rain recently, and the garden’s loving it, especially the lawn. It’s been so arid and patchy. It’s amazing how a bit of water can wake everything up. Of course, that does mean the mower will be out again soon, but I don’t mind, at least I get my steps in.

New Trainers – They Grow Too Fast!
I am forever buying new clothes for my two as they outgrow everything in a blink of an eye. My youngest is 10 years old and already in a size 6 shoe.
My boys grow like weeds!

So that’s my word of the week – Grow.
How’s your week been?
I’m linking up with Anne’s Word of the Week. Pop over if you fancy seeing what words have shaped other people’s weeks too.

Barney is beautiful! What a handsome boy. The dog teenage years are something else, but worth it for the adult they become. We’ve had our first rain for a couple of weeks. The grass is crisp, so fingers crossed it helps. I’m sure the person meant well and were showing solidarity, which I know you understood. Better than the tutting responses I’ve seen. A post would be good. I don’t miss the children growing out of shoes and clothes every two weeks.
Hope you are having a lovely weekend
Barney is just perfect! He looks like a lot of fun (and work).
Argh I am sorry about the comment, that is so hurtful and shows a lot of misunderstanding about a whole lot of things. (hugs)
Barney really has grown, I remember when he was a tiny little thing. He sounds such a lovely dog.
Sending love and hugs. It sounds like a hard day with your boy. I always read what I can about Autism to understand more.
The grass on our back garden was so patchy too, we have been so glad of the rain, not today though. I had to go running outside to get the washing in. I should have left it, it was dry again within 10 minutes. lol x
Barney boy is a gorgeous hunk of dog. I’m sure he’s very protective of the kids. That would be his job per his perspective. Your lawn is looking good after the rain. It’s amazing how fast it grows with water. Take care and I hope you have some relaxing days. Also, I worked with autistic clients decades ago. Most people have no concept what that means. Sorry for the person’s insensitivity.
That is a fabulous word! I felt like I was ALWAYS buying one of the boys some shoes or clothes because they really do grow so fast. One fall Alec grew 6 inches in just under two months!
Barney really has grown, he’s lovely. I’m sorry about that comment, I’ve heard it all too often in the past. I can assure you, as my 37 yr old autistic son is currently having a meltdown in his room (because of a neighbours dog!) he has never grown out of it. People do need educating, there is no cure, and they don’t grow out of it.
What a beautiful boy Barney is. He does look like a lovely gentle dog. People do say daft things sometimes and even if they do mean well, it doesn’t change the fact that some of the thoughtless comments can be hurtful and annoying, especially on the challenging days. Autism is part of who our children are and they will grow into wonderful autistic people who are loved and appreciated for the amazing unique people they are. Nice to get some rain and your garden is looking beautiful. #WotW
The garden looks lovely and such a relaxing place to be. OMG I’m in love with Barney, what a cutie #wotw
Grow is the perfect word to sum up your week, Jayne!
Barney is absolutely gorgeous and looks very cuddly, like a gentle giant.
People say the strangest things without thinking. There is still so much ignorance around autism, which is a shame.
I know what you mean about growing feet, I’ve got my fingers crossed that the kids’ school shoes last another couple of weeks.
Barney is a handsome boy! Ooh don’t start me on the “they’ll grow out of it” comments regarding autism. I’ve had it said to me too, once by a dentist and I’m still salty about it. People have no idea. I hope your young man is okay now
Big !sure my neighbour puts plant food in the kids food – overtime i seethe they are an inch bigger !!!