Just Three Little Words…

Image Credit: Neeqolah Creative Works

April 29, 2025

Pierce was trying hard to remember which bin was garbage and which was recycling.

“The middle is garbage,” I chirped!

I know I’ve told him a thousand times, but before I could catch myself, the words spilled out - “It’s so simple!”…forgetting that for my son, it’s not always the case.

As a parent of a dyspraxic child, I knew better than to echo this loaded phrase.

They’re just three little words — It’s. So. Simple— but potent little words that are more hurtful than helpful.

I slipped up. As soon as the words tumbled out, I tried to reel it back and correct it as quickly as I could . It was just an innocent, thoughtless throw away comment, a momentary gaffe for me — but not for my son. I know it stung.

I apologized to Pierce and he graciously accepted when I acknowledged my mistake, knowing that things aren’t always so black and white or easy and obvious for him.

It was a reminder and a lesson. Being a parent who researches, writes, and creates content to spread awareness for neurodivergent causes, I try so hard to be cognizant. Yet, I still manage to stumble into the same traps of saying the wrong things, and fall short constantly. It’s hard to get it right all the time.