You know THAT child, right? The one who seems far too old to be having a meltdown in the middle of the toy aisle at a department store. THAT child who consistently throws mulch at other kids on the playground. THAT child who has a penchant for using inappropriate language. THAT child who pushes boundaries a little too far. THAT child who is yelling at the top of his lungs in a restaurant, causing heads to turn. THAT child who reacts aggressively to a simple “Hello!” from a stranger. THAT child you caution your kids to avoid, fearing that his behavior might influence them.
But the truth is, you don’t really understand THAT child.
You may not realize the countless hours his mother has dedicated to sitting in waiting rooms, consulting with pediatric therapists, researching specialized diets, and studying behavioral techniques. You have no idea how many days his father has taken off work, or the years spent providing sponge baths, or the time he has invested in mastering the calming ‘squeezy hug’ technique. You cannot comprehend the overwhelming pride felt when THAT child greets his therapist with an affectionate hug, juxtaposed with the heartache when he lashes out moments later. You don’t see the disappointments faced by THAT child as he misses out on birthday parties, amusement park rides, playdates, story hours, and movie outings due to his inability to “make it stop”—whatever “it” happens to be at the moment.
You might not know that this child was once a serene, smiling baby until a virus at seven weeks changed his entire demeanor. You don’t see that he would happily curl up in a chair, wrapped in his favorite blanket, if it meant avoiding the outside world. You might not recognize that he is often the first to notice when an animal is frightened and the first to offer his cherished blanket to comfort it. You don’t witness how gentle he is with infants, always noticing the smallest details. You likely don’t know that he starts each morning by asking his mom how she slept. You have no idea that he willingly shares his snacks without expecting anything in return. You might overlook his love for cooking, especially when it comes to preparing breakfast. You don’t see that he is aware of his struggles to fit into the world but feels lost on how to change it.
You may never truly understand the depth of love felt for this remarkable little person.
I know all this and more because THAT child is MY child. He is my son, and I urge you to remember that.
For further insights on parenting and fertility, consider exploring our other posts, such as this one on couples’ fertility journey, which can be helpful. Additionally, if you’re curious about at-home fertility options, check out the at-home insemination kit, a trusted resource for many. Lastly, for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, this Cleveland Clinic podcast offers excellent guidance.
In summary, the complexities surrounding children who exhibit challenging behaviors often go unseen. Their backgrounds, struggles, and the love they receive from their families paint a fuller picture that deserves understanding and compassion.
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