To my Facebook friend who shared that meme poking fun at ADHD, I have to say, it missed the mark completely. The image depicted someone in distress labeled “ADHD,” alongside a cat at a table declaring, “Need ass whip.” What’s even more disheartening were the comments that followed, like “Kids being kids. Let’s drug them” and “A few licks with a belt will do wonders.”
The protective mama bear in me wants to confront everyone who shows such ignorance and judgment toward something they obviously don’t understand. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder; it’s not something that can be beaten out of a child. Can you spank away depression? Can you spank autism or PTSD? Of course not. So why would anyone think it’s acceptable to joke about spanking ADHD out of someone?
The Struggles of Parenting a Child with ADHD
For the parents who are reading this and have a child with special needs, you know exactly the frustration and pain I’m talking about. You’ve witnessed the meltdowns—actual breakdowns that can last for hours, and you feel helpless in those moments. You know the heartache of watching your child struggle with emotions, the sadness of their social isolation, and the toll it takes on your family life.
You understand the struggles at school: the attention issues, the challenges with executive functioning, and the academic hurdles. You’ve been through the emotional rollercoaster of receiving a diagnosis, knowing that certain challenges will be a constant in your child’s life. You’ve felt the strain on your marriage, the tears shed over sleepless nights spent worrying, and the countless hours spent researching and consulting with specialists to better understand how to support your child.
A Message to the Judgmental
And to those who don’t have a child with ADHD or any special needs, who are you to judge? Who are you to suggest that a developmental disorder can be resolved with a simple spanking? This kind of thinking contributes to the rising suicide rates among children, including those with ADHD, who often struggle with low self-esteem and depression.
Yes, my child has ADHD. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder, unlike your judgmental attitudes, which are simply a character flaw.
The Need for Open Discussions
We, as mothers, are a diverse group, each with our own unique experiences. We need spaces to discuss topics beyond just parenting. If you’re interested in more discussions about these issues, check out our other blog post on home insemination here. If you’re looking for healthy lifestyle tips, you can find valuable insights from experts at Intracervical Insemination. For anyone considering pregnancy, the NHS offers excellent resources on intrauterine insemination.
In Summary
Let’s strive for understanding instead of judgment when it comes to ADHD and other special needs. It’s a daily struggle that many families face, and compassion is what we need most.