HI all
Our summer of transition continues and the uncertainty is very difficult for my youngest to handle. It is affecting his behavior. (surprise, surprise) What frustrates me is I am feeling a bit shut out and condemned for lousy parenting by a few (not all, but a few is more than enough) opinionated, critical people who I normally deeply care about at our church.
Just curious….anyone else felt the harsh whip of criticism and condemnation from those who are supposed to help? How did you deal with it?
Looking forward to hearing your stories.
Frazzledmom
Re: Alienation in social settings / lack of support
This never happened to me, but it did to a good friend of mine. She has 2 kids. Her oldest has a VERY SERIOUS anxiety disorder and a language disorder on top. People criticized her to no end because she kept giving him baby food when he was clearly too old, but he gagged on almost anything else they gave him. Also he is a tall kid (not fat) but he looks a lot older, so if he had a fit about something people would stare. And her daughter has an axiety disorder as well, but not as bad. She also has selective (or is it elective) mutism. Another mom refused to let her come over to play because she could not use her manners and say hello or please or thank you. If you know anything about elective mutism, the child cannot speak at certain times. It was not her fault and the mother, who my friend knew from a bible study group I might add, refused to talk to my friend until she made her daughter talk. How cruel.
Anyway, to handle it my friend prayed a lot of course, but tried to stay steady in her own beliefs that she was doing a great job as a mom. She is a great and a very patient mom too, I might add.
Kathryn
We actually left our church because of the critical view of our parenting. It is very difficult for people to understand the struggles we go through parenting a child with a serious mental illness. I’ve found that my friends have changed a lot since my dd’s dx. Fortunately there is a strong community of people who understand over here.
Remember, there is still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding of children with mental illness. All we can do is work with our kids the best we can and try to educate others.
((Hugs))
PS If you would like to contact parents in WA that have children with mental illness, please contact me at [email protected]. We have a great e-mail group that is very supportive.
[Modified by: scifinut on July 06, 2007 01:35 PM]
[Modified by: scifinut on July 06, 2007 01:37 PM]