Like many every other parent who has a child with ADHD (or any non-physical disability) we face judgement on our parenting skills.  I admit that before seeing it in my nephew (and before having children myself) that I too thought ADHD may have been simply an excuse for bad parenting.  I know better now, perhaps it’s karma?  I had never said that out loud to anyone though.

A few months back a neighbour whom I *thought* was a friend (heck she even almost delivered Thing 2) passed judgement on the Hubby and I to everyone in our neighbourhood who would listen.  I have to point out that B does not have any children herself.  She let everyone know that we are “shit parents” and that we cannot control Thing 1.  I thought she was a friend so it hurt.  I was informed of this while away, a mere hour before putting my Grandfather in the ground.  The person who told me the comment at that time isn’t much better in my books but I digress.

We are bothered by this whole situation.  The weather is getting nicer and if we go out it’s very uncomfortable.  The kids are unaware of the situation and even they notice the tension.  Everyone stares at us waiting for us to screw up.  Who knew that everyone else in my neighbourhood were all perfect parents?  When B comes out it’s even worse.  She even has the gall to play with my kids.  She has made no attempt to talk to the Hubby or myself and we have heard that she has said that it is us who owe her an apology.  What for, we don’t know.

We do not need to defend our parenting, we know that, but it ticks us off none the less.  We do our best to stay calm at all times and would move mountains if we could for our children.  We’re not perfect but given the circumstances I think we’re both doing a fantastic job.

If our child were in a wheelchair, NO ONE would question our parenting but since this is a disability you can’t ‘see’ it must be our fault.

I’m just upset because it isn’t fair.  Why should one person’s ignorance cause our entire family to feel uncomfortable?  I also can’t understand how other parents can’t see that?  We’re being the bigger people in this and it just sucks.  They clearly weren’t real friends to begin with but it doesn’t help the situation now.

What kind of people insult a child anyway?  He may be a handful but he’s a smart, funny and fantastic person.

Tonight the neighbourhood girls are having a girls night.  I was flat out told I was not invited because B is mad at me.  Shame on B and shame on everyone else for excluding me simply because it’s easier.

I have to add that I don’t have any interest in getting drunk or going to a bar, but the intentional exclusion is uncalled for.

We’re determined to be the bigger people in this.  We have never given the name of the shit disturber who told us this information and refuse to approach anyone regarding this behaviour.  I want my kids to learn not to succumb to bullying.

“People will forget what you said.  People will forget what you did.  But, people will NEVER forget how you made them feel“