Count Your Lucky Stars

The benefit of having multiple children is getting to see things from different perspectives.  I have been seeing a lot of articles and information on "neurotypical" vs "neurodivergent".  These terms basically didn't exist until recently.  They aren't medical terms or psychological terms..They are lay person created terms to help the masses better understand those who might be different.  Neurodivergent or non-neurotypical might be used to describe someone with Asperger's or a mental illness.  It makes it sound less stigmatized...or so they hope.

As a parent, we fight daily for our kids to be understood.  People look at our kids who are throwing a screaming fit over red versus green goldfish crackers and think "well don't they just overindulge their child" or "I would never let MY child get away with that!" or "Boy they sure spoil her" or even "Someone needs attention"  They may not actually voice these thoughts, but their stares speak volumes.  So coming up with a term that helps people understand a little better seems like such a good idea.  But to those of us in the trenches it  doesn't make the reality of life any easier.



If you have never had to spend hours and hours going from one specialist to another or on the phone with your insurance....

.....You should fee lucky

If you have never had to sit  in an IEP meeting ....

.....You should feel lucky

If you have never had to watch your child struggle with tasks in school that all the other kids find easy...

....You should feel lucky


If you have never had to watch painfully as your child struggles to make and keep friends...

....You should feel lucky

If you have never tried every diet and homeopathic remedy there is just to have some normalcy....

....You should feel lucky

If you have never had to watch your child crumble or burst with rage in the face of overwhelming anxiety....
.....You should feel lucky


Now the picture I have painted sounds kind of miserable...but let me share the other side of this:

If you have gotten to watch your other children grow in their ability to handle differences and to have a better understanding of the world around them...

....You should feel lucky

If you have had the opportunity to see your child master those tasks that once seemed impossible and even climb bigger hills with success...

....You should feel lucky

If you have seen the beauty of one special friendship that far surpasses a crowd of acquaintances...

...You should feel lucky

 If you have been able to help one other person because of all the knowledge you gained from your own child's experiences...

....You should feel lucky

If you have  watched the pride your child feels when they beat their angry demon and calmly handle an anxious situation...

....You should feel lucky

For me I feel lucky.  I have learned so much through my children.  I have been able to help others advocate for their kids.  I have had co workers seek my advice because I bring a knowledge and understanding that was hard won. I am able  work with those struggling kids who have been missed in a way that boosts them...because I get it.  Do I have days that I just think "I can't do this" Yes I do.  Then the next day I get up, brush myself off and try again.  I know I am never alone.  And Yes I feel lucky.