Parenting Insights: Navigating Stares and Differences
My son seems to be a marionette, bound by invisible strings that stretch toward the heavens. I find myself questioning who holds these strings, as they often lead him into challenging situations. He jumps, dances, and occasionally stumbles, spilling his drink or falling over. It’s a heart-wrenching sight—one that echoes the feeling of watching a child tumble down the stairs, an experience that haunts me daily.
Tourette Syndrome has taken the reigns of his body. I’m aware that many face far more severe challenges, yet I can’t help but grieve for the “normal” life I wish for him. One where he could navigate social settings without the need to explain, “You know my son has Tourette’s,” before a playdate.
Simultaneously, I feel a rush of excitement for him. Life will never allow him to simply glide through unnoticed. His journey is a lesson in resilience and perseverance. He will always find himself in the spotlight, which will cultivate his leadership abilities. He is learning to harmonize the connection between his mind and body, which will ultimately make him stronger than many.
His ability to cope is truly remarkable. When fellow children ask about his tics, he humorously clarifies, “No, not that kind of tic. It’s a reaction.” So far, his classmates have shown kindness, which makes me ponder why adults often lack this grace. In public, adults tend to stare, their gazes lingering far too long.
Despite his tics, my son possesses keen vision and is acutely aware of when he’s being watched. “I don’t want to be different,” he confided to me one day. Witnessing these stares ignites a mix of anger and frustration within me. At times, I’ve felt compelled to give a rude gesture to those who stare, and yes, I’ve acted on it. I recall an incident in a store where a woman’s disapproving stare seemed unjustified.
The first time my son asked how to handle the stares caught me off guard. Seeing the hurt reflected in his eyes, I wanted to assure him that he is just like everyone else. In that moment, I nervously suggested, “Just say, well, poop on you.” Thankfully, he found it amusing, as school-aged children often do with such humor.
Recently, I overheard him mutter, “Well, poop on you,” after catching someone staring at him. He had remembered my words from a year ago, much to my surprise. I considered providing him with a more suitable mantra for dealing with those awkward moments, but it dawned on me that this silly phrase effectively redirects his thoughts and energy, making him laugh. So we’re keeping it.
It’s perfectly normal to look. I kindly request one thing: when you observe him, please wear a smile. Your frown, born from confusion or curiosity, is misinterpreted by an eight-year-old. If you continue to stare, you might hear him mutter a playful insult, and I may respond with a glare or a gesture of my own. I may not be winning parenting accolades, but this approach works for us.
This article was originally published on Dec. 26, 2015.
For additional insights into family dynamics, consider exploring the At Home Insemination Kit, another blog post that might pique your interest. Furthermore, for expert resources on pregnancy, visit the NICHD website. For those curious about at-home insemination methods, check out the Cryobaby kit, an excellent option for prospective parents.
Summary
Navigating the challenges of parenting a child with Tourette Syndrome can be complex. While the stares from others can be disheartening, teaching resilience through humor and self-acceptance is crucial. Encouraging kids to respond playfully to confusion can help them cope with the stigma, fostering a sense of normalcy and strength.
Keyphrase: Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]