Take the Picture

To the mama whose baby isn’t starting school today.

To the parent who is wondering if they should take the picture. And wondering if they should celebrate just another day.

To the dad whose sending some kids back to school but not the others.

To the parent feeling a twinge of sadness today. Or a lot.

I understand

Your child doesn’t go to a typical school. They go to therapy. There are no grade levels. Just continuous time. Or maybe they do but they aren’t really in a grade. On paper yes, but not really.

I get it.

Maybe you have other children who are starting today. You walked them to the bus stop. And you wonder how time is moving so quickly for them yet seemingly frozen for others.

Or maybe this is your only child and you peek at Facebook and see the first day of school photos and feel that pain in your gut.

I see you.

I want to tell you to take the picture. Take it. Post it. Share it with grandparents. Put it in the baby book. Put it in a frame.

Celebrate today. Because our kids deserve it. All of them.

Celebrate first grade and learning to read and do math. And celebrate long years of therapy and learning to sit and say first words. It’s all amazing.

Why you wonder? What’s the point? Your child doesn’t care or understand?

Do it for you. Do it for them. Do it because you care. And it’s ok to care. I want you to know that.

Don’t let any person, family member, friend, blogger, or bully tell you that you shouldn’t care. You are the parent. And you are human. You should care.

It’s ok to wish they understood. Or were starting third grade today.

But more importantly, it’s ok to celebrate exactly where they are right now.

I have one starting first grade. And one continuing therapy that is helping him become the best version of himself. Neither is less than. Remember that.

Take the photo. Celebrate our amazing kids.

Neither is less than.

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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.