Having thought about it all day, I wanted to emphasize that I do not undervalue the contributions of those of you who do help with Alexa, especially her teachers, who I greatly treasure. Nor am I trying to say that those of you with small children of your own should be helping me. I am pretty much just trying to explain how things are going, and hopefully encouraging those of you who might be watching someone struggle to do something someday, to offer to help. Perhaps you are afraid of offending somehow, but if there's an obvious need, I think a simple "Is there some way I can help you?" cannot offend. I would certainly have appreciated someone offering to help carry my groceries to the car.
I
4 comments:
I do have to admit I feel bad that I haven't been more of an encouragement to you.... And, thank you for the 'push' to be more 'helpful' to others--I needed that!
I have read your recent post about Alexa.
We do no know each other, but I want to share that I too have cerebral palsy.
I am an adult but I remember the enormous frustration as a child at not being able to do things and not being able to express myself.
I had no speech difficulties but as a child just didn't have the language to explain to adults what I was feeling and so took it out in tantrums.
I don't want to intrude and I fully understand about private blogs that are in the public domain.
Margaret
My blog is berkeleyscot.wordpress.com
Oh, Brandi! Parenting can be so frustrating. One of my children has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and very few people really understand or have "media" veiws of what OCD is, and sometimes I feel like i've poured out my mommy hood goodness into discipline, ocd, diabetes, not to mention all that other stuff like laundry etc., and STILL fall short, where other mothers seem to sail right through!! I do think we (mother's) should ask for help more. I also think people are afraid to offer help lest they feel they might offend someone or overstep. Keep going, you seem like such a good mom!
Hi Brandi,
Parenting is challenging & frustrating at times no matter who you are or what your situation is. Yours is definitely more extreme.
You have encouraged me to offer to help, which I really appreciate. I rarely see someone else struggling to do something and when I do I don't want to make them feel inadequate by offering to help. It's really no different than stopping to help someone stranded along the road, is it?
I wonder if there is anyone close by that you could offer to have their child come for play time and then trade so you can get some much-needed alone time? Or a grandma who would love to spend some time with her and give you a break?
Is there a support group of moms that can share stories and tips?
Hang in there! Please be kind to yourself. You're very sweet and happen to be a good mommy in a very challenging situation.
Love you,
Lori
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