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Let's Raise Each Other Up as Parents of Kids With Disabilities

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My son was having some difficulties at school this week. I turned to a friend that also has a child with disabilities.

I expected that she would understand. I expected that she would have some words of advice. Instead, I was met with heartbreak.

Instead of asking questions like, “Are the correct supports in place? Are they supplying the correct resources and tools?
What does he need to make this work? What can I do to help?”

She made statements like, “Maybe this is too much. Maybe he’s not ready. Maybe he’s not understanding the expectations.”

I was heartbroken.

Can we please commit, as a community, to raising each other up? To being supportive and helpful. To lending a shoulder when others simply will not and cannot understand.

As parents of a child with exceptional abilities, our lives can be super complicated. Our lives can be super busy and filled with worry. Our lives can be super stressful and some days downright hard! And other parents often do not understand the grueling schedule, the meals on the run, the anxiety, the therapies and the complexities of it all.

Can we commit to being there for each other and making sure that we are the positive voice that somebody needs to hear that day?

Can we commit to being a community that wants to help each other move forward?

Can we look for the best in our children and help others see their potential and talents?

Can we stand united in helping each and every child and family get what resources they may need for success?

Can we please unite in being that positive person for each other when others simply wouldn’t understand?

Originally published: September 7, 2021
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