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The Many Emotions of Parents of Kids With Disabilities -- as Told by GIFs

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As a parent of two children with disabilities, I find I can experience several emotions at the same time — even when they seem conflicting. I can experience great joy watching my child reach a milestone while feeling sadness knowing other people won’t recognize the enormity of the accomplishment.

There are also the emotions that rush through me when people say hurtful or thoughtless comments and the emotions I feel when I look at my kids an am overcome with love, joy and how proud I feel that these are my kids.

Because I know I need laughter and happiness in my life, I found GIFs that perfectly describe many of the emotions I’ve felt as a parent of kids with disabilities.

I hope they make you laugh, too.

1. When someone tells you, “I could never do it.”

via GIPHY

2. When you get ready to go to an IEP meeting.

via GIPHY

3. When you look at your child and you get all the feels.

via GIPHY

4. When you wonder if you made the right choice for your child.

via GIPHY

5. When you finally get insurance to approve what your child needs.

via GIPHY

6. When the specialist your child really needs to see doesn’t have an opening for six months.

via GIPHY

7. When you find conflicting information while doing research.

via GIPHY

8. When someone says, “But your child looks so ‘normal!’”

via GIPHY

9. When you see school is calling.

via GIPHY

10. When someone says a rude comment about your child.

via GIPHY

11. When your child reached that milestone they have been working so hard to achieve.

via GIPHY

12. When you and your child are exhausted, yet you have one more appointment this week.

via GIPHY

13. When family members tell you how to parent your child.

via GIPHY

14. When someone says, “Please fill out these forms.”

via GIPHY

15. When you successfully help your child with a new transition.

via GIPHY

16. When someone says, “You are a stay-at-home parent? I would love not to have to work.”

via GIPHY

17. When your child accomplishes what experts said they would never do.

via GIPHY

18. When you see other parents of kids with disabilities.

via GIPHY

19. When you see how hard your child works to accomplish new things.

via GIPHY

20. When you feel ready to take on the world for your child.

via GIPHY

Editor’s note: This post does not condone violence, but it encourages laughs!

Banner image via giphy

Originally published: March 30, 2018
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