I understand that you might believe I’ve allowed my child to get away with just about anything. I’ve noticed the judgmental looks you throw my way, and I can imagine that you think all my child needs is a firm hand. If I were in your position, I might think the same. But I’m not, and I have insights that you may not.
My child struggles with a mood disorder, requiring medication that could sedate an elephant just for him to get through the day. For the first decade of his life, his sole focus was on asserting his independence, proclaiming, “You’re not the boss of me.” I know I made plenty of mistakes in the process of trying to enforce my authority because, after all, parents are meant to be in charge, right?
At least, that’s what I assumed until I began to grasp the complexities of parenting a child with a mood disorder. I’ve learned that there are aspects beyond my control. I can’t demand my child’s brain function correctly or stop distorting reality, convincing him that minor issues are monumental. That’s as impossible as asking a child in a wheelchair to stand up and walk. My role is to manage what I can and sometimes that may not align with your vision of proper discipline.
The True Meaning of Discipline
Discipline should be about teaching, not just “teaching a lesson.” It comes from the Latin word disciplina, meaning instruction or learning. This understanding led me to a crucial question: If my child isn’t learning, is it truly discipline, or just me exerting my will on a child with a disability? Even a child facing frustrating challenges is still just a child.
While it might not always be visible, I do strive to instill discipline in my child. I aim to teach him critical thinking and the consequences of his actions. However, there are moments when his emotional turmoil escalates into irrationality, rendering him incapable of logical thought. In such instances, how can any real learning occur?
A Recent Experience
Just yesterday, I gave in when many parents with “typical” kids might have scoffed. He had eagerly anticipated a new Nerf gun, only to find out from an email that its delivery was delayed. For most kids, this wouldn’t be a big deal, but for my son, who equates the start of school with stress akin to “enhanced interrogation,” it was the final straw. He broke down and demanded we order another one. I tried to reason with him, explaining that ordering from the same vendor wouldn’t solve anything, but he was too far gone to process logic. So, I ordered another. The first one arrived yesterday; I’ll return the second when it comes. Silly, right? Maybe. But denying him wouldn’t have taught him anything; it would’ve only made the afternoon miserable for him and his siblings.
My default setting is to guide my son in navigating life. But when I recognize that he has crossed into a realm where rational thought is impossible, I prioritize peace. So, if you see me and think I’m a lackadaisical parent who shirks discipline, I assure you, you’re mistaken. I understand your perspective, but I’m playing by different rules with the cards I’ve been dealt.
Further Reading
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this blog post. Also, for authoritative information, visit this resource or explore this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination topics.
Conclusion
In summary, parenting a child with emotional challenges requires a unique approach. While I strive to teach and guide, I must also recognize when to prioritize my child’s peace over traditional discipline methods.
Keyphrase: Parenting a child with mood disorder
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]