A few days ago, my kids and I spent an amazing morning at the local public pool—a sprawling facility featuring multiple pools, a splash pad, water slides, and a lazy river. We met up with friends and mingled with a few hundred strangers. Normally, I shy away from crowded places, but the thrill of such a lively swimming experience was too enticing to resist.
Swimming pools often reveal our insecurities and differences. It’s amusing to reflect on this only after returning home. While surrounded by hundreds of people, I didn’t fixate on my son, Tyler’s, differences or worry about what anyone might think. To me, it felt like there were no stares, no pointed fingers, and certainly no laughter at our expense. Instead, I saw Tyler, his sister, and their friends enjoying themselves, and all I heard was their joyful chatter mixed with my conversations with other parents. This idyllic moment could have easily been overshadowed by insecurities, but maybe it’s true—ignorance can indeed be bliss.
I’ve heard the phrase “ignorance is bliss” countless times, often as a casual remark. For me, it has become a cornerstone of my happiness. Tyler has dwarfism, which makes him visibly different from his peers. Over the past five years, his unique stature was less apparent, but as he grows, he stands out more.
When I look at Tyler, I don’t see his differences. I see my little boy. In my eyes, Tyler is just Tyler. Perhaps this is my ignorance, but his small size is our normal. We live in a happy bubble where he is cherished for who he is, and he loves himself just the same. We embrace our uniqueness and step outside our home brimming with love and support.
Yet, I cannot deny that Tyler’s differences are noticeable to others. Our normal isn’t typical, and with his condition, we sometimes encounter stares, name-calling, and ridicule—the very things I feared since the day we received his diagnosis.
What surprised me, however, was my own blissful ignorance. Who knew being completely unaware could bring so much joy? The harsh realities of the world seem to have little effect on Tyler and me. It’s not that we are oblivious to the stares and comments; it’s that we simply don’t pay attention. We are too busy living our lives, fueled by our protective bubble of happiness. We don’t let the opinions of others cloud our joy.
Sure, I occasionally catch a few glances directed our way. But my ignorance transforms those looks into smiles, which I interpret as compliments. After all, they could simply appreciate what they see. Why would I think otherwise? Choosing to enjoy “not knowing” keeps me from turning a passing glance into a source of hurt. I prefer bliss over anger.
As Tyler and his peers continue to grow, I hear more heartbreaking stories from our fellow “Little Big” friends—tales of direct cruelty, pointing, and name-calling aimed at innocent children. It frustrates me how some individuals behave toward those with disabilities. I know my ignorance won’t last forever, and we may soon face similar experiences. But having enjoyed this blissful state for so long, I’m determined to use it as a shield against future negativity.
When the world finally forces us to confront its cruelty, I want to remind myself of this blissful ignorance. In the face of hurtful words and gestures, I must choose happiness. I must remember that there will always be people willing to lash out with their words.
However, those words only hurt if we allow them to. I have a choice: I can either embrace the pain or choose bliss. If I can downplay the sting of harsh words, they lose their power over us. While it’s inevitable that such experiences will bring some tears, it’s also possible to move forward and choose joy—choosing ignorance over distress.
You might worry that opting for ignorance could mean missing opportunities to educate others or confront their cruelty. But despite its quiet strength, this blissful ignorance speaks volumes. Actions often resonate louder than words. Choosing to focus on joy means that hurtful remarks become irrelevant, allowing us to carry on confidently. Tyler may be small, but he is not a punchline. His small stature does not limit his larger-than-life essence. Just take a look—glance our way. We have plenty to show you.
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Summary:
In this heartfelt reflection, Jenna Collins shares her experience of enjoying a day at the pool with her children while navigating the complexities of raising a child with dwarfism. She emphasizes the importance of embracing ignorance as a means of happiness, choosing to focus on joyful moments rather than the potential negativity from others. By fostering a protective bubble of love and support, she encourages others to find bliss in their own lives, regardless of the judgments that may come from the outside world.
Keyphrase: Ignorance is bliss in parenting
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