The Calling
As a parent, we often find ourselves navigating through a myriad of emotions – joy, pride, frustration, and sometimes, shame. It’s the latter that cuts the deepest, leaving a lasting imprint on our hearts and minds. Today, I want to share my story of grappling with shame and judgment due to my son’s behavior, and how it has shaped my journey as a parent.
From the moment our children come into this world, we envision a future filled with promise and hope. We dream of their successes, their achievements, and the wonderful individuals they will become. However, life doesn’t always unfold according to our plans. My son, whom I love dearly, has faced challenges that have tested our family in ways I never imagined.
Growing up, my son struggled with impulsivity and difficulty regulating his emotions. Simple tasks became battlegrounds, and outings often ended in tears and frustration. As he grew older, these challenges manifested in more pronounced ways, leading to frequent outbursts and disruptive behavior in public settings. With each incident, I felt a pang of shame creeping into my heart.
The stares and whispers of strangers became a constant reminder of my perceived failure as a parent. I could feel their judgment weighing heavily upon me, as if every disapproving glance was a verdict on my worthiness as a mother. I found myself shrinking under the weight of their scrutiny, questioning my abilities and replaying every decision I had ever made.
It wasn’t just the strangers who passed judgment; even well-meaning friends and family members offered unsolicited advice and criticism. Their well-intentioned suggestions only served to deepen my sense of inadequacy, as if I needed further confirmation of my shortcomings. In their eyes, my son’s behavior was a reflection of my parenting skills, or lack thereof.
At times, I wanted to retreat into isolation, shielding myself and my son from the harsh gaze of the world. But I knew that hiding away was not the answer. My son deserved better than that, and so did I. Instead, I chose to confront my feelings of shame head-on, seeking solace in the support of those who truly understood.
There’s Light at the end of the Tunnel
Through Positive Kids parenting group, I found a community of parents who shared similar struggles and experiences. In their stories, I saw reflections of my own journey, and I realized that I was not alone. Together, we lifted each other up, offering words of encouragement and empathy in moments of despair.
Slowly but surely, I began to reframe my perspective on shame. I realized that my son’s behavior was not a reflection of my worth as a parent, but rather a manifestation of his own struggles and challenges. Instead of hiding in shame, I chose to stand tall and advocate for my son, embracing his differences and celebrating his strengths.
Today, my son continues to face obstacles, but he does so with courage and resilience. And as for me, I’ve learned to embrace my role as his champion, unburdened by the weight of others’ judgments. Our journey is far from easy, but it is uniquely ours, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
To every parent who has felt the sting of shame, know that you are not alone. Your worth is not defined by the judgments of others, but by the love and dedication you pour into your children each and every day. Together, we can rise above the stigma and stand proudly in our roles as imperfect, yet fiercely devoted parents. PS… A mother who loves her child.