Talking About Good Times, Talking About Bad Times

There has been a lot of talk on the web about blogging, honesty and privacy, especially as it relates to autism/people with different abilities.
I'm talking about cases where parents have written about their children being violent or exhibiting undesired behaviours and being shamed, blamed or otherwise criticized. I read about one such case here. It's her first-hand account.

Some people think we should only talk about the positives and how wonderful it is to have a special needs child in our lives and how everything is butterflies and roses. You know what? It can be that way some times. If I'm being really good, I promise you I can find something to be thankful for every day.

But you know what? Parenting in general is hard. It doesn't matter whether you have one or five or are single or gay or rich or black or whatever, parenting is hard. I'll say it again in case you missed that:

Parenting is hard.

We all have to make tough decisions, every day, in how we're going to discipline, love, and teach these little humans we're responsible for. Sure, some have certain aspects of those decisions easier than others, but we all have our trials.

Parenting is not a competition though.

I don't know what it's like having a neurotypical kid, so I can't tell you if it's easier or harder. I have my kid and he brings a different set of challenges than other kids do. I have, at times, more complicated decisions to make. Do I sometimes wish I didn't have those extras on my plate? For sure. No lie.
At the same time, I don't want to go and say it's hands down harder because there are times when it can be easier and hopefully those things balance out.

But my point is, we all have good times and bad times. I will tell you about those good times and bad times freely, while still respecting my family's privacy, because that's just life. I want you smile along with the good times and send hugs for the bad times, and hopefully we can all feel a little less alone on this crazy journey called life.