Let’s Talk About Super Special Kids & Cake Podcast [Episode 005 / Segment: Arghh]

Many of my blog posts are based on questions or concerns that parents share with me about their children. But today, I want to focus on a subject that is just as important, but that’s often neglected: parents. The parents of children with special needs.

We get so caught up with asking “How is your child doing”, “How is your child developing?”, “How is your child feeling today”, that rarely have the time to stop and ask the mothers and fathers of special children “How are you today?” “Are you okay?” “How are you feeling today”?

Instead, parents of special children have often told me of their frustrations and that the only thing others manage to say to them is that “You were chosen to be the mother or the father of a special child because ‘you’re strong enough” or that they “can handle it”. However, when speaking to parents of special children, they will often say that they certainly don’t feel chosen or strong enough. In actual fact, many parents feel defeated, helpless and angry.

It must always be remembered that this is absolutely fine and there is nothing wrong with having these feelings. Looking after a special child is extremely hard work. There will be a rollercoaster of emotions and it’s okay to not be okay on some days.

The thought of today’s blog post must therefore be to always be considerate of others. Sometimes we don’t have to try and offer a solution. Sometimes, parents of special children just want a person to vent or speak to. Someone that will listen.

Let us take a moment to commend all the mothers and fathers of special children out there. You’re doing amazing!

A further discussion related to the above can also be heard over on my podcast: Episode 5: ‘The Chosen Ones’.

Donia x