My neurodivergent nephew is 10 and told my dog to kill himself, so naturally I gently investigated and learned that his brothers tell him to kill himself. Which I guess is a normal insult for the Gen zs these days? But then we talked more and I mentioned that joke makes me sad bc I used to want to kill myself. And I suspected it, but it turns out Trouble Nephew also has felt that way. So we talked a little about how I stopped wanting to kill myself, and I think it's opened up some really good dialog now!
Like when he took some of my safe foods without asking, I mentioned that I also have a sickness that makes me not want to eat, and having some of those foods is really important, so he has to ask before he takes it. (Like I'm also trying to make sure he doesn't eat only fruit snacks for a day, but the other thing is still true lol). And I really hope it helps him feel seen and safe and learn how to talk about his feelings more!! Aghh I heckin love this disaster boy
