Parenting Insights
By Jenna Mitchell
May 17, 2017
Recently, my children and I had an unforgettable morning at our local community pool, a sprawling facility featuring numerous pools, water slides, a splash pad, and a lazy river. We met up with friends, and hundreds of other families joined in the fun. Normally, I avoid crowded places, but this was too enticing to pass up.
Swimming pools often reveal our insecurities and differences. Ironically, I didn’t realize this until we returned home. In the midst of a crowd, I didn’t focus on my son Alex’s unique traits or worry about others’ perceptions. As I looked around, I noticed no one was staring or pointing fingers. All I saw was the joy on Alex’s face, his sister’s laughter, and the playful chatter of their friends. The experience was picture-perfect, and it was only later that I reflected on how blissful ignorance had shaped our day.
I have always heard the saying, “Ignorance is bliss,” often used casually. However, I’ve come to believe it is a key component of my happiness. Alex has dwarfism, which means he appears different from his peers. For the past several years, this difference was subtle, but as he grows, it becomes more noticeable.
When I look at Alex, I see my son. I see Alex. Perhaps this perspective is part of my ignorance. To us, his size is normal. I often overlook that he is considered a little person. Our family thrives in a joyful environment where Alex is cherished for who he is, and he embraces his identity, much like any other child would. We venture out into the world fortified by love and support.
Yet, it’s impossible to ignore that Alex is different from the majority. His condition means that we sometimes face stares or hear hurtful comments—everything I dreaded since his diagnosis. Surprisingly, I’ve found comfort in my blissful ignorance. Who knew being unaware could be so liberating? The outside world has little impact on us; we’re too busy enjoying our lives.
Of course, I occasionally notice glances aimed our way, but my ignorance turns those looks into smiles. I interpret them as compliments, believing they appreciate what they see. Why should I think otherwise? I prefer to relish this unawareness. Misinterpreting a glance as an insult only invites pain, and I choose bliss over sorrow.
As Alex and his friends grow older, I’ve begun to hear distressing stories from fellow families in the “Little Big” community. Cruel comments and mockery directed at children with disabilities are infuriating. While I recognize that my ignorance may not last forever, I’m determined to leverage it to help us cope with any future negativity.
When harsh words and judgments come our way, I’ll remember my blissful ignorance. I must choose happiness over sadness, understanding that some people feel the need to hurt others through their words. But those words can only wound if we allow them to. I have the power to choose bliss over pain. If I can diminish the impact of hurtful remarks, they won’t affect us as deeply.
Every experience will leave a mark, and while it’s impossible to emerge unscathed from such negativity, we can still choose to move forward with joy and embrace our blissful ignorance.
For those who worry that choosing ignorance might mean missing opportunities to educate others or stand up against cruelty, remember that actions often speak louder than words. By choosing to focus on joy, we render hurtful comments irrelevant. Alex may be small, but he’s not a punchline. In every meaningful way, he’s larger than life. So go ahead—glance our way. Stare if you must. We have something wonderful to share.
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Summary:
In this reflective piece, Jenna Mitchell shares her experience of blissful ignorance while parenting her son, Alex, who has dwarfism. She emphasizes the joy of focusing on family happiness rather than societal perceptions. Despite potential negativity from the outside world, Jenna chooses to embrace her ignorance as a protective shield, believing that love and acceptance within her family outweigh external judgments.