Labeling Our Children

I recently had a mother tell me how she does not want her child to be labeled just because he might have ADHD. I told her I was like that too, in the beginning. But it is up to us as parents to ensure our children live as normal lives as possible. By doing so, it creates a safe environment for them. I would rather have my son think he can do anything he wants to rather than believe he cannot. I want him to know that everyone faces obstacles in life, but you can get through them and win in the long run.

From my experience, people will label your child no matter what you do. We live in a very close-minded society in which people think if you are not like them, you are nothing. What do I say to that? I say this: bring me any child with ADHD, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, etc. and I will show you greatness, love, understanding, warmth, intelligence and the rare ability to be nonjudgmental. These kids are special and deserve to be treated with respect - just like any other person on this planet. They love, feel, smell, and touch just like other children.

The next time you face labeling with your child, just remember that God picked your child to have a special gift. This child will show you how the world really should be, and that alone, is worth everything we will face as parents of these “special” children.