My daughter loves animals. Let me clarify...my daughter is OBSESSED with animals. One of the aspects of Aspergers - it's her "passion".
When she was a toddler, we bought her plastic animals in bulk to play with and she would spend hours organizing them in a marching waves across the tv room floor. The penguins in front, polar bears off to the side - so they won't eat the penguins - monkeys pushing up the rear.
As a Jewish mom I didn't let it throw me. I just thought, "so, she'll be a vet." (Hey, there's good money in animal care.)
Today we were in the car on the way home from someplace air-conditioned and we started talking about animals. Izzy wanted to know what kind of animal I thought she was most like. First I said "Bird." She liked that. Then I said "Wait, Squirrel." She liked that more. Then I thought "hmm...here is an opportunity to use her "passion" to tell her something great about herself - to INSPIRE her." So I said "No...you're like a leopard! You're brave, you're fast and you're incredibly smart!"
She smiled but said "You know, mom, I know a girl who spent the whole school year pretending to be a possum! Now that's awesome!" Obviously, she didn't care so much about the animal's actual traits, but rather was Wowed by the fact that this girl could pull off being a possum for a whole year.
I have to say, I'm impressed by that kid too. The level of commitment is astounding. A whole year - probably spent mostly upside down on the monkey bars. I too was Wowed and satisfied that the possum story sent a positive message.
After all, it takes a lot of commitment to become a vet.
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What do you want to be when you grow up?
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Comments (17)
I hope she becomes a vet!!
I wanted to be a lawyer when I was little. But now, I'm going to college to be a Stats Analyst.
It seems like I might have wanted to be a vet. Can't remember now.
A Possum. JK! I had a beloved pet, a cat who lived 19 years. His name was Possum because when he was a kitten he used to keel over and pass out briefly (play possum). Possums ARE awesome. They carry their babies constantly!
I made a cartoon with a possum character, a 'Thug Fence' who stands around in an alleyway in his trenchcoat, "fencing" stolen doggie door electronic collars to squirrels, rats, any varmit hoping to gain entry to a people house. Every day was take your kids to work day for him. Their beady eyes peered out of his collar.
I had wanted to be a teacher, but my parents were always thinking of the practical things like bills and having nice material things, so I decided Speech Therapist. That was still involved in the school system, but a bit more money, except the Univ. I attended didn't have a speech therapy program, so I sided with psychology, leaving the logistics for it later. So now, I've my Masters in Social Work and still dream about teaching, so I've filled my free time teaching religion at Church.
i wanted to be a pharmacist, one point in my life, but i didn't find any interest in science, but somehow I am really good at it. But I have more joy in film industry and photography, so maybe something along those lines? :)
I saw my first "real life" possum a few months ago, walking on top of the fence pickets of a neighbor's house...it was really different looking! (but cute too^ ^)
A vet is a nice idea... hope your daughter achieves her dream. As for me, i have no ambitions yet. There are so many career choices out there that i can barely begin to consider, and everything has its own drawbacks. I am interested in genetics though...and plants...and insects. Something science!
P.S. That is a sweet picture =]
I wanted to BE an animal when I grew up. That was my first greatest passion.
Then I discovered Pokemon and decided to be a Pokemon master.
@josiebunny@xanga - I'm in college and I still want to be a Pokemon Master. I'm studying journalism as a "back-up." xD
This post is awesome! My friend's little sister has Autism, and her passion is weather. She absolutely loves it, and always talks about the weather. She always watched the news and instead of going to webkinz.com or a game site like most eleven year olds, she goes to weather.com. She's so knowledgeable about it too!
That is so sweet! Though i must admit, i have no idea what a possum is. some kind of small furry animal, i suppose, but i can't picture it. ( i bet i'm the only person who gets the man of la mancha reference in the title.)
@kryssi_forever@xanga - That's very cool! And great for her! Thank you for your comment.
@josiebunny@xanga - My girl LIVED for Pokemon. Thanks for commenting!
@Yukihimekumiko@xanga - We could always use more brilliant scientists! Go for it! :)
@living_embers@xanga - Good for you! We love our speech therapist.
@artworkjanalee@xanga - that's hilarious!
@LostInTheLyrics@xanga - fingers crossed!
I invite you to visit the Possum Twins and Friends (new entertainment for kids) at www.possumtwins.com. I'm the creator... Some might thing that the little possum is utterly ugly BUT the little creature is really awesomely adorable. Did you know that "possum" means "I can" in Latin? Anyway, I have enjoyed your daughter's story... Remember to dream, think, laugh and love--and like all little possums--to "hang in there" especially when times are tough... hugs, Diane Cathey