Embracing the uniqueness of your family, with all its quirks and differences, is truly something to be celebrated. So, you’re not the Jones family, and let me tell you, that’s perfectly okay. There’s an added layer of distinctiveness, a unique quirkiness to your family, from the tiptoeing walks to the hand-flapping, and yes, the full-blown grocery store meltdowns – your family’s journey is undoubtedly special!
Venturing out into the world, especially under the scrutinizing eyes of the public, can be discouraging. The thoughts of people staring, silently criticizing your parenting skills, and the occasional unwelcome advice can stir a whirlwind of emotions that are hard to contain. Picture this: your child having a tantrum, and there you are, apologizing profusely, contending with the stigma of bad parenting. It’s a tough situation, believe me, I know, and one we deal with every day when venturing out in the community. But once you liberate yourself from the weight of ignorant opinions, you can focus on what is truly important at that moment – supporting your child and guiding them through their emotions.
In the early days of my journey, I encountered a situation that will forever be etched in my memory. My oldest son, who was 5 at the time, was petrified of elevators, which are hard to avoid. As we walked by one during a routine trip to the doctor’s office, he threw himself to the ground, attempting to hit his head. An elderly gentleman in his 80s, baffled by my son’s behaviour, began screaming in a language I couldn’t understand. My other son, whom I was holding on to for dear life, was 3 and trying to run away due to the man’s yelling. In that chaotic moment, a wonderful lady, a teacher, approached and offered her understanding and assistance. Once I got into the car, I wept like a baby, yearning for the simplicity of the so-called Jones family, where sibling rivalry was the primary concern.
It took years of learning to truly understand my children and discover how best to support them. Today, I can confidently say, who cares what others are thinking? I invite them to walk a day in my shoes before casting judgments. Admittedly, the early days are tough, and I won’t sugarcoat the challenges that may arise later on, moments where you may long for the seemingly carefree Jones family lifestyle. But as you grasp how to support your child effectively, handling their behaviours becomes more manageable.
That’s why I always advocate for families to explore new approaches to teaching and find what works uniquely for them. We’re not the Jones family, and that’s perfectly okay. Today, I can diffuse a situation with a simple statement – “I’m going to sing.” It might sound unconventional, but believe me, it works for our family. Out in public, I can almost hear the thoughts swirling – is her voice really that bad? I promise you, it isn’t. Let’s see the Jones family try pulling off the “I will sing” card with their kids!
What truly defines great families is their distinctiveness. So, embrace your quirkiness, revel in everything that makes your family unique, and step outside with your head held high. Even the seemingly typical Jones family has encountered their fair share of “looks” and “comments,” whether they have children on the spectrum or not. Walk tall, without apologies, because apologizing implies wrongdoing, and you’ve done nothing wrong. Your family is a masterpiece, a mosaic of individuality, and it’s time to celebrate every ounce of your beautifully unique journey.