Parenting
You know THAT kid, right? The one throwing a tantrum in the towel aisle at Target, looking far too old for such behavior. THAT kid who likes to toss mulch at others on the playground, over and over. THAT kid who can’t stop with the potty words. THAT kid who pushes boundaries a bit too far. THAT kid who’s screaming at the top of his lungs in a restaurant. THAT kid who reacts aggressively to a simple “Hello!” from a stranger. THAT kid you nervously tell your children to avoid, fearing they’ll pick up on his behavior.
But do you truly know THAT kid?
What you don’t see is the countless hours his mom has spent in waiting rooms, collaborating with pediatric therapists, researching special diets, and diving into behavior modification techniques. You’re unaware of how his dad has taken days off work, given years of sponge baths, and perfected the calming ‘squeezy hug’ method. You don’t know the pride that swells in her heart when that boy greets his therapist with a hug, only for the joy to turn to despair when he acts out moments later. You don’t understand the heartache of watching him miss out on birthday parties, Disney rides, and playdates because he just can’t “make it stop”—whatever his current challenge may be.
You’re not aware that THAT kid was once the most easygoing, joyful baby until he contracted a virus at seven weeks that seemed to alter his entire demeanor. You don’t know that he would happily curl up in a chair all day, wrapped in his favorite blanket, if it meant avoiding the world outside. You haven’t seen how he’s the first to notice if an animal is frightened, generously offering his cherished blanket to comfort it. You don’t know the tenderness he shows towards babies, marveling at their every adorable feature. You don’t see him starting each day by asking his mom how she slept the night before. You don’t realize he shares his treats without expecting anything in return. You don’t know how passionate he is about cooking—his breakfast dishes are truly a delight. You don’t know that he feels out of place in the world, and while he recognizes it, he just doesn’t know how to change it.
You can’t fathom how deeply one can love a little soul like that.
I know all this and more because THAT kid is my son. Don’t ever forget that.
For more insights into parenting and related topics, check out our other posts on home insemination and family planning, such as those available at Intracervical Insemination and Make A Mom. If you’re interested in learning more about genetics and IVF, an excellent resource is Genetics and IVF Institute.
In summary, parenting a child who faces challenges can be a journey filled with love, frustration, and resilience. It’s essential to look beyond the surface and understand the unique experiences that shape each child.