Pigs In Jackets

We walk out of the shop. I ask the Lodger for his hand but he refuses. I explain, as you do, the dangers of traffic and that he must hold Mummy or Daddy's hand when near the road.

He's frustrated and tries to explain to me what's wrong. But I just don't get it. 

Then the Mummy steps in to understand the problem. 

The Lodger explains using his range of words and signs that obviously he cannot hold Daddy's hand as he is carrying a pig.

Yes, a rather large invisible pig.

So the situation is resolved by Mummy taking the pig and the Lodger holds Daddy's hand and is happy. He keeps checking behind us as we walk and after some questioning I'm informed that he's just making sure the other pig is following.

Apparently we have 2 pigs.

We hop in the car, close the doors but Mummy has forgotten to let the pig in. The door is opened, the pig is let in, disaster averted. 

We're good to go, the Lodger and pigs on board.

Watching My Pet and Me (The Pigs episode!)

The Lodger loves animals. He has little interest in cartoons but would watch episode after episode of The Zoo. He's recently started watching My Pet and Me, a show in which we are introduced to children and their pets of all shapes and sizes and how they look after their pets.

In the absence of real life pets the Lodger has channelled his inner imagination and looks after many animals around the house.

His uncle on a recent visit was brought on a tour of our invisible pet farm, from the pigs sleeping under the piano to the cows who live under my bike (small cows).

Feeding the Invisible Stairs Monsters!

From early days during the Lodgers early intervention sessions with his home teacher we were always asked if we thought the Lodger used imaginative play. 

The reason for this is that children with PWS can show impaired pretend play abilities.

Imaginative play is important as it enhances the capacity for cognitive flexibility and therefore creativity. It is also another no pressure opportunity to learn social skills like communication, problem solving, and empathy.

So now we're off on a trip. The Lodger puts on his jacket and hat. He makes sure the pigs have their jackets on. We head for the door, me carrying 2 large invisible pigs in their jackets, the Lodger following. The Lodger hops into the car, makes space for the pigs and we're good to go. It doesn't actually take much longer to get the pigs ready so I don't mind too much.

I'm sure all parents have stories about there child's early imaginative lifestyle and most probably take it for granted. 

But to us this is another important step reached. 

It counts as another milestone the Lodger has achieved, no matter how invisible it is.

Playing Row, Row, Row The Boat!