Dora the Pirate

dora1

I’d love to bring you a smile today. Because over here we are grinning from ear to ear.

A week or so ago, my son Cooper took an interest in Dora the Explorer. But not just any Dora. Because she has always been his favorite.

He wanted to dress like Pirate Dora. He wanted her hat, jacket, backpack and black boots.

He wanted to board a pirate ship and search for mermaid rock. He wanted a pet monkey named Boots.

He wanted whatever the pig characters were too.

He asked me 100 times a day for days.

How did he ask? He showed me their pictures on the paused screen. He showed me her clothes. Her ship. Her monkey.

And since this kid never asks me for anything. And to date has had absolutely no imaginative play. I made it happen.

But it is winter in Minnesota so this mama had limitations. The pirate ship was out. And I couldn’t find any mermaids this time of year.

But I wanted this for him. Despite my husband thinking I’m crazy…I made it happen.

It just took Amazon, a women’s purple blazer, two trips to the craft store, new boots, and an amazing friend who sewed and glued. Thank you Rachel of FlanaVille for being such a great friend.

And when her daughter, who thinks she is a mermaid (I ended up finding my mermaid!) said, ‘I’m happy Cooper is Dora and that Dora is Cooper’ I almost cried. She gets it. Maybe it’s because she has autism too. She didn’t bat an eye at our crafting. She encouraged it.

These kids can be whatever they want to be. They just need a few fairy godmothers to make it happen.

Smile folks. It’s a good day today. Dora the pirate is on my couch. Eating a cookie.

And saying, ‘AARGHH!’

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Avatar photo

Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

Share this post: