[Mod-Lady Valkyrie]

I ask because Daniel was an absolute angel today at the zoo, we had a wonderful day despite both Daniel and I being VERY tired and just taking things very slow and leisurely rather than trying to rush around and see everything (I couldn't work out whether I'm tired because of being pregnant and unable to do as much or whether we both just have the same bug). He really was a little star. Stayed with us, did everything he was told, didn't even fuss when it was time for the zoo to close even though he hadn't seen everything - we are members and can go back any time at no extra cost, so it doesn't matter, but with his inflexibility and his autism, he doesn't always see it that way.

Equally, though, he can have days where he's a little devil out and about and we have to cut the day short.

How do your kids do and have you noticed anything YOU do that results in a calmer and better behaved day?

[Fae*Aibell]

It depends really on how they are doing with the autism side of things too. If they are going through major sensory overloads its a nightmare, jake will retreat into his jumper and Reese will do as he pleases and laugh when you give out to him. Days out can be really stressful, i have found lately that if i can seperate the boys and take one at a time to do something they are particularly interested in they are like angels, but bring them together and we are the family everyone looks at and thinks, can they not control their kids.
I am not however blaming the autism for everything, they can just be naughty kids sometimes too but the autism plays a big part in whether its a good or bad trip out. What i find with the autism that suprises me is that for two brothers so close in age (21months) that have the same type of autism, they are complete opposites and what one does when stressed the other dosn't and vice versa. What one finds calming (Reese and high pitched noises) is Jakes trigger for a meltdown. Its hard on days out but when it all comes together and we have a good day it makes all the bad days so much more easier to cope with.

[sarah*]

It depends on their moods and where we are etc, for the most part they are good but the girls do have their wingey moments and ungrateful moments because they want something we will not give! (sweets, icecream, drinks, toys etc) we try explain to them we can't afford everything but they don't get it which leads to me getting in a mood that they are ungrateful while we are on a trip out
Lucas is 2 so he has his typical toddler melt downs, but other than that is a good boy