Hey there, friends! You know, we’ve all been in that situation at the grocery store where a kid is acting out—whether it’s a toddler throwing a tantrum or a teenager arguing loudly. It’s easy to wonder why they’re behaving that way, and even easier to jump to conclusions about their parents. But let me tell you, it’s not always what it seems.
I’m a parent of a neurodivergent child, and trust me, his behavior might not align with what you’re used to. He’s impulsive, sometimes angry, and doesn’t always manage his emotions well. Does that make him a bad kid? Absolutely not! And as for me? I’m a good parent, doing my best in what can often be a challenging situation.
There are good days and bad days—some weeks are smooth sailing, while others feel like a battlefield. Just when I think we’re making progress, my child might lash out, argue back, or even throw something. Sure, it happens at home, but it can also catch us off guard in public.
My son has diagnoses of ADHD and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), which are real medical conditions. But that’s something a stranger in a store doesn’t know when they see him yelling because I won’t buy him that toy. They don’t see the daily hurdles we face together. Instead, they roll their eyes and jump to conclusions about my parenting, which is just unfair.
I’m proud of the mom I am. I’ve loved and cared for my children since day one. I’ve had to adapt my parenting approach for my son, who needs a little extra support. I’m not a permissive parent; I’ve learned techniques from professionals to help manage his behavior. When I walk away during an argument, it’s not because I’m giving up—it’s a strategy I’ve learned to keep the situation from escalating. You don’t see the sleepless nights and the hard work that goes into parenting a child like mine.
Every parent is doing their best with what they have. You never know the battles someone else is fighting, so let’s try to extend a little grace. Instead of judging, maybe offer a smile or a kind word. You might just make their day a bit brighter.
And speaking of support, if you’re considering parenthood yourself, there are resources out there like Make a Mom, which offers innovative at-home insemination options, including reusable kits. You can find more info on how it works here. Plus, if you’re looking for a community, check out the Make a Mom Facebook group for support and advice.
If you’re interested in boosting your fertility, Make a Mom also provides fertility supplements that can be helpful. And don’t forget to visit CDC’s pregnancy resource for more guidance on pregnancy and home insemination.
So, next time you see a parent in a tough spot, remember—we’re all just trying our best.
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