As parents, we often feel pressure to be able to do it all. We want to be the superheroes that can easily handle anything that comes our way.
Jennifer is a mom who has cerebral palsy, and she expresses how she often wants to be that superhero mom to her son, Edward.
“I want to be able to do everything at once, and though I know it isn’t quite logical, I’m disappointed whenever I realize my aspirations to be a supermom are impossible.”
Jennifer has embraced her disability, and draws strength from having gone through difficulties when growing up. She now applies those lessons to her parenting as she encounters tough times.
One of those times is what she and her son are going through now. Edward was recently diagnosed with ADHD. “While I appreciate good advice,” Jennifer shares, “sometimes I want to yell out that I feel very alone as a parent. It is very difficult to watch your child struggle to focus and learn.”
Jennifer uses her experience in growing up with a disability to help her son through his diagnosis. “I am thankful I grew up with a disability because I have learned to read between the lines, and can see through the subterfuge that can happen as we make our way through this process.”
Still, like most parents, Jennifer wishes she could do more. Yet she accepts there’s only so much a parent can reasonably do.
“The reality is this: None of us are superheroes. We are just trying to make the best of the life we’re given. Disabled or not, life can be hard; parenting is even harder. It’s best to take life one day at a time.”
Good advice, Jennifer.
Share this post with other parents to let them know they don’t need to be superheroes to be good parents.