What do you love about your DC?

[Refreshed]

My own is 2.5. He doesn't talk. He's fiercely independent and doesn't do social interaction very much, but is happy around adults.

I could often cry at how frustrating being a mother to a possible ASD toddler is. It's very difficult at times, emotionally. He's always been amazing practically though, very easy baby.

What makes me burst with love is his contentment. He just always seems so satisfied with life, like an old soul. He doesn't give many people much interest but he's full of kisses and cuddles for me. There is never much eye fontzbt with but the exception is always when he wants to give me a kiss. He looks at me like I'm the best

I thought I'd start this thread as a place to share some lovely things. My friends DD is the opposite to DS but so so amazing too, there's something so endearing about a small person who is a people pleaser and likes to make you laugh.

DS is three in 3 months. It was only 6 months ago he started using any words outside mummy, daddy, car and car keys, and is now at the point where you can have a very simple convo with him; e.g me: did you have a good day at school? Him: yes me: what did you play with? Him: cars!

He is also determined to the point of being obtuse. Refuses to take no for an answer and beyond stubborn. He drives me absolutly barmy at times.

But at the same time,he is, like yours, the cuddliest, happiest little boy ever. He adores cuddles with me and DH, all the time, is full of smiles and laughter and it was only again six months ago that he started giving kisses. He gave me his first proper one when I dropped him off at nursery and I went home crying with happiness.

As much as he drives me mad, I would never change him. He is him, and we love him beyond all measure for it

She's brave, physically and otherwise. She's kind and caring. She's funny - she understands humour, sarcasm and likes to tell jokes.

Sorry, used the wrong word with "obtuse". Meant it in the more, blunt, single minded way

Mine are older but some days I really need to remind myself of why I love them because otherwise I'd lose the plot entirely....

Ds (13) I can always trust him to be polite and even though he's really shy he has stood up to bullies before on behalf of someone else. Also he puts himself in situations sometimes that I wouldn't think a shy kid would. He has ALWAYS had a way with babies and toddlers and will happily be bossed around by my friends two year old little girl.

Dd (9) she is so so unlike me. She's super sociable and just full of enthusiasm for life and she always has been. She's also hysterical and incredibly empathetic and thinks about others constantly.

They're both just good kids really and decent humans - despite what the rolling of eyes / door slamming : homework arguments may suggest!!

OP, I also have an ASD DS and remember how hard it could be. My DC are teens now. My ASD son gives the best cuddles - the very best - and likes lots of them. He's really funny and makes me laugh. And his NT brother is very calm and kind and also very funny. I love listening to them play music - they are both really good musicians and I cannot even sing in tune, so it's lovely to hear them playing. And they can make me laugh until I cannot breathe sometimes.

@Refreshed I remember when my DS was that age and I was very worried about him as he was so behind in so many ways (and also astonishingly forward in others). He was diagnosed with ASD aged three.

Even at five years old he was expressing sympathy and empathy with other people's pain, he has given his pocket money to other children so they could have fun when he couldn't, and his secondary school send us letters advising he's been nominated for awards for compassion, for kindness, for helping other pupils with profound disabilities. They point out that he never draws attention to himself either, he just wants to help.

When he was 2.5 I would never have dreamed of such thing. Of all the things he has achieved, his kind and caring nature is the thing that makes me most emotional (I don't want to say proud, but it does make me happy). You just never know how they will turn out

Aww. Echoing the above post. DD, soon to be 6 (diagnosed at 3yrs old), didn't actually talk until she was nearly 4. Before that it was HARD. The tantrums, the violence and the tears. Yes, we still have some epic tantrums but these are greatly outweighed by the fact that she talks in full sentences, can read, writes (and its very clear!), shes able to self soothe in social situations now (and enjoys them), she understands people and has begun asking "Why?" Its amazing seeing her opening up in all these different ways and for me its wonderful to know she may someday have her own future.

DD1 is 7 and beautiful; however she has a genetic condition which I suspect has given her her features rather looking like family members. She also has a neurological condition which means that walking is a bit of a challenge for her but she can swim, cycle, do gymnastics etc with ease. She was very, very ill a few years ago and I just marvel every day at the things she's overcome

DS is 20, he is kind, considerate, funny, generous, helpful. He had to grow up fast as he became his dad's full time carer at 16, and missed a lot of school as a result (sixth form). Despite that, he got reasonably good A Levels and was a tower of strength when DH died. He has a full time job now but still wants to go on holiday with me and hang out with me when he's not with his friends, which I find very endearing.

That they know what's right and wrong and aren't Kevin. That they don't hang around in town getting drunk and causing trouble. That they do their homework without being told. Don't ask me about their bedrooms

Ds1 (12) has ADHD and ODD so can be difficult. But he is funny, helpful, and a great friend. He's turning into a fab kid to be honest, I do worry for him but right now, he's doing well.

Dd is almost 10 and so kind, a lovely friend, so laid back and happy.

Ds2 is almost 6. He's bright as a button and bloody hilarious.

Both my DC are a lot of fun. They are both very full on but always playing and make me laugh so much with all of the things they come out with.

DS1 is almost 7 in a few weeks. He's being assessed at the moment for possible ADHD/ASD. He has such enthusiasm for the things he loves and loves talking about them. I love how curious he is and how much he questions things. He asked me one day about what would happen to the world after people became extinct like dinosaurs. This led into a great conversation about the environment etc and I love that he is thinking on that level. He is a bit quieter and more sensitive than his brother and I love that the two of them are so different yet similar.

DS2 is 4 (5 in a few months) and he is livelier than DS1. He is cheeky and playful, very boisterous. He is always climbing on things and going on adventures. He also has a sensitive side and I know in other settings outside home he is much quieter, doesn't like to speak. I feel sad that others don't see the side of him that his friends and family do. He is also very loving and affectionate. He loves to come and have a cuddle, always asks for a kiss before I go etc.

I just love how much fun they both are.

My ds feels like home. No matter where we are, I feel 100% comfortable around him. He's quirky, and funny, and his hair is my favourite smell. He's 9 now and I can still just sit there looking at him in absolute fascination. He is with my ex 60% of the time after a bitter court battle, and I'll never get over it.

Mine is almost 19. He is kind, funny and has always been the most easy going baby/toddler/child/teen I've ever known. He's away right now in SE Asia and I'm so proud he saved up his money to go! I miss him like mad though.

DS1 has a great sense of humour and never moans about things.
DD has lots of friends but still needs her mum! She works hard at school.
DS2 is very active, kind and cuddly.

I'm bowled away by how smart DD is (she's 2.5), but the thing that always gets me is how she's starting saying "And how was your day mama?" in the evenings while we're eating, and how much she loves her friends - she'll ask after them, say "on Wednesday we see Jack", give them hugs, look concerned if I say that x or y can't play today because they're poorly.

DS is 15, introverted, smart, logical, easy going, responsible, conscientious, laconic. He’s never been any trouble and I’m so proud of him. He stills spends a lot of time with us an is great company. DD is the complete opposite, wild, hilarious, never shuts up, loud, extroverted, thrill seeking, full of imagination and enthusiasm. She is so happy and full of love. She brings so much joy to us all. They make such a great team, despite the age difference and complete difference in personality and they love each other so much. I wouldn’t change either of them for the world and I feel so lucky to have them.

DS6, I love how much he loves books. I love how sensitive and considerate he can be, and how his laugh just lights up a room. I've seen total strangers break out in a huge grin or laugh along with him because of how infectious his peals of laughter are.

DD3, I love how tough she is, she's not scared of anything and she'll give anything a try. I love how openly she loves, how affectionate she is and how focused she'll become when someone gives her a piece of paper and some coloured pencils to draw with.

I love that both my dds (age 7 and 8) are fierce and willing to stand up for what they think is right, even though it is often me they are standing up against!

I love that they love each other and can count on each other.

I am very proud of how capable they both are.

Your post was so lovely to read OP and what a great thread this is...
I have 2 children one of 29 and one of 8 (dont ask!!!) both are chalk and cheese and have different qualities but with the oldest the thing I love the most is his character.He is kind,charming,intellegent,funny and I am super proud of the man he has grown to be.I love it and he has always done this so I should be used to it but it gets me every time,,he tells everyone how much he loves me! This is with no embarrassment at all and as I went through a period of being embarrassed about my parents growing up he has never had this..and its so lovely when he intoduces me as his mum to people.We kind of grew up together my son and me and we are so close,He has a kindness and generosity of spirit that is unusual and I am so proud of him.My daughter on the other hand ,this crazy little girl well ..she is the weirdest person I have ever met! She constantly sings and dances and is so happy and content its infectious! She makes you smile.She makes an occassion out of every day and makes the days count and she is so fill of life ..we dance outside in the rain and its wonderful! The best thing however is when she wakes up you know the sleepy bit when they struggle to open their eyes and they are cosy and warm in bed ? That time is the best ever..snuggly warm sleepy cuddles! its wonderful!!!

SD1 (9) - when I first met her she was so enthusiastic. She shattered the sensible timetable her mum and I had planned for taking things slowly for her kids' sakes. She is so enthusiastic, an adventurer and totally fearless when it comes to things like rollercoasters etc. Warm and accepting.

SD2 (5) - the funniest child I have ever met. When she tells you she loves you it also comes across as something she's thought about and really feels instead of an automatic reaction. There was a program on TV where someone joked about swapping their stepdad for a new one. She looked at me and declared that she would NEVER swap me for anyone. If SD1 made it easy to become a part of the family quickly, SD2 gave me the constant slow-burning rewards of progress.

SD1 & 2 together: The way they absolutely dote on and love...

DD: 11 months: Feisty, loud, hilarious. Beautiful.

SD1 & 2 have lost sleep due to the baby's crying. They've had less attention due to the demands of the baby. And yet they seem nothing but delighted that she's there. Maybe the love you have for step children is different, too early to tell, but the way they accepted me, made my relationship with their mother possible, and embraced their little sister gives them a place in my heart that is unique and special itself.