No Judgment Zone
My child may not behave like yours, and that’s perfectly okay. Is he a bad kid? Absolutely not. Am I a bad parent? Definitely not.
Have you ever witnessed a child acting out in a public place, like a grocery store? Whether it’s a toddler, a school-aged kid, or even a teenager, we’ve all seen it. It’s easy to wonder about the reasons behind their behavior and to question the parenting choices of those involved. But is it fair to judge?
I’m the parent of a neurodivergent child. His behavior often differs from that of other children. He can be impulsive and struggles with anger, expressing his emotions in ways that might seem extreme. While it may look like he’s misbehaving, I assure you, he’s not a bad child, and I’m not a bad parent. I ask for your understanding and empathy, rather than judgment, when my child doesn’t fit the traditional mold of “well-behaved.”
Some days are smooth sailing, and we can go weeks without issues. But when things take a turn, I find myself in heated exchanges with him. He may be disrespectful, argue back, or even throw things. This behavior isn’t restricted to home; it happens in public spaces, too.
As a parent, I face the challenges of raising a child diagnosed with ADHD and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). These are recognized medical conditions, but strangers don’t see that. They don’t know that when he yells at me in a store because I won’t buy him a toy, this is part of our everyday life. They see a child throwing a tantrum and assume it’s a result of poor parenting. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
I pride myself on being a dedicated mom. I’ve loved and nurtured my children from the moment they entered this world. My approach to parenting has evolved to accommodate my child’s unique needs, and I employ strategies recommended by professionals—not techniques that everyone else might recognize or understand.
When I step away from a confrontation with him, it’s not because I’m giving up; it’s a strategy I’ve learned. You don’t know the battles I face daily, and parents shouldn’t have to justify their choices to anyone. Every parent is doing their best with the challenges they encounter.
You never truly know what someone is going through. So, let’s try to be kinder and offer grace. Instead of judging, consider what it’s like in their shoes. After all, parents are just trying to do what’s best for their children, even if it looks different from what you’re accustomed to. Next time you see a parent struggling, offer a smile or a kind word; it could mean the world to them.
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