Dear Readers,
I feel compelled to address the judgment I’ve encountered over the past few days regarding my daughter, Emily, and her use of a stroller. To those who have exchanged disapproving glances or whispered critiques behind my back, I urge you to come forward and engage in an open conversation about our situation.
Emily is currently in a stroller not because she is simply “too big” for it, but due to a condition called joint hypermobility syndrome. This condition causes her significant pain in her legs, ankles, and feet, especially after extended periods of walking or during hot weather. As a result, she struggles to walk for long distances and cannot always rely on being carried, as her leg strength is compromised during flare-ups. Additionally, I must consider my own limitations when it comes to carrying her, as my back cannot handle it for long durations. Emily is on pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage her discomfort.
While Emily doesn’t always require a stroller, recent circumstances have necessitated its use again. She had a year of relative independence, but our recent vacation led to her overexerting herself, and in hindsight, I wish I had brought the stroller along. Unfortunately, that meant her brother, Jake, had to shoulder the burden of carrying her most of the time.
When we’re out, I often talk to Emily about how she’s feeling. I’ll ask her questions like, “How are your legs today? Is the pain medication helping?” I do this not only to support her but also to subtly inform onlookers about why she is in a stroller.
It’s disheartening and frustrating to feel judged in these moments. So, the next time you see a child in a stroller and think they are too old for it, please refrain from passing judgment. You never know the challenges that child or parent might be facing. A child in a stroller is not a sign of laziness; there could be a valid reason behind it.
As a mother navigating this journey with Emily, I ask for understanding and compassion rather than judgment. If you’re interested in learning more about parenting challenges, consider checking out resources on pregnancy and family support, such as CDC’s excellent resource on pregnancy or this informative post on home insemination kits.
In conclusion, let’s create a community where we uplift one another rather than judge. After all, every family has their unique set of challenges, and a little kindness goes a long way.