No Space for Shame

Just like this quote says, shame craves secrecy, silence, and judgement.  When our children struggle, we often stay silent.  It can be uncomfortable to be different in our world.  It can be uncomfortable to need something other than what works for everyone else.  We question if we did something 'wrong' along the way.  Is it our fault?   

I'm giving everyone reading permission to let go of any feelings of shame or stigma about having a different learner.  Kids are unique and wonderous little individuals.  Given the beauty in their diversity, it makes sense that they wouldn't all learn and develop on the same timeline.  It's time to normalize these differences.  We need to talk about our children's struggles as well as their successes. 

I was sitting in a parent meeting last summer and I was talking to another mom.  We were talking about our amazing kiddos, and I mentioned my son's autism diagnosis.  Her mouth dropped and she nearly started to cry.  She thanked me for saying it out loud, you see her child has the same diagnosis and she was feeling alone.  She was scared to speak it out loud because of fear of judgement, fear of being different.  Autism is part of my son that has an impact on who he is, but it doesn't define him.  He is also a master yo-yoer, a pretty awesome knitter, and the world's best hugger.  

I'm all for respecting privacy but not out of a feeling of shame or fear.  Often bringing it out into the open not only benefits us, but it can benefit others as well.  No one should feel alone on this journey - there is power in community!