The Great Bean Discovery

Dear Journal,

Last night, I thought I had discovered my son’s new favorite food.

Beans.

He couldn’t get enough of them.

As a parent — especially when you have a child with sensory sensitivities or a limited list of preferred foods — watching them willingly eat something new feels like winning the lottery. I was so excited that I just kept filling his bowl.

One helping became two.

Two became… well… probably more than it should have.

I went to bed feeling like I had accomplished something huge.

Then morning came.

I walked into my son’s room to what can only be described as a Picasso masterpiece… created entirely with bean-powered enthusiasm.

The walls.

The bed.

The floor.

If there was a surface available, it had become part of his latest “art project.”

Needless to say, we both got an unexpected bath that morning, and I spent the next couple of hours cleaning while trying to decide whether to laugh or cry.

Eventually… I laughed.

What I Learned

Sometimes even wonderful progress needs a little moderation.

Was I thrilled that my son tried a new food? Absolutely.

Would I celebrate that victory again? Without question.

Would I stop after one bowl of beans next time? Without hesitation.

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, and supporting a neurodivergent child often means learning through experiences you never could have predicted. Some lessons are planned. Others… involve cleaning supplies.

Today, I choose to laugh, learn, and keep moving forward.

Because tomorrow will probably bring another story.

And maybe another lesson.