Beans beans...they are good for you

That's what I've told my son this week as he seems to have eaten a lot of them lately. You see I have been taking a few liberties recently now my boys are getting older. My eldest who has Autism has been staying home with his bother while I nip out on a few errands. I know.....get me - a bit of freedom.

I felt it was a good time to teach my son something easy to cook if I am out around a meal time. which has happened on the odd time. Beans on toast is a great, simple meal to start with and I think most of us start there. He has been learning a few tips while at college this year while studying a course in Pathway to Independence. so I thought I would carry on the good work at home.

I told him I could pop some beans in a microwave container in the fridge and then he could just take them out when he wanted them. I showed him how long to warm them up in the microwave and that was it....easy peasy. He could already prepare toast so he was set up to be a little independent with his super quick meal.

The last time I popped out I was back by his meal time so I was back in time to make him some lunch. When I got in he had helped himself to his beans on toast, in fact he's made it quite a few times now. He has been opening a can himself and instead of halving the tin he's had the whole lot. To say it's been a bit windy in our house is an understatement, more like a human hurricane. He did well though and I think he's found it quite a novelty.

Maybe it's time to move onto something different so his next meal to try is a frozen baked potato which is another easy one to do.....four minutes in microwave and he can top it with cheese but maybe have a rest from the beans.

I love teaching him things as he wants to learn and after all one day he will have to try and be as independent as he can. He still needs supervision on alot of tasks but every time, every project is a step further into helping himself. He's eighteen now and a fine young man and fortunately still a Fireman Sam fan. I say fortunately because there are many fire safety tips that he can recite so this is a good basis for cooking.

Thanks for letting me share our 'beanathon' with you. It may seem a simple thing to teach an eighteen year old how to cook beans on toast but those parents caring for their loved ones with Autism will know that every small step is a huge big deal especially if we get through without any anxiety or a meltdown.

Please join me again tomorrow for Pass the Remote Sunday.......take care for now.