Before we scare everyone away from the possibility of raising special needs kids, let's all remember the positives too. Especially for the new parents entering into "our" world.
Since I've been named "the pollyanna of special needs", I might as well start.
Are you ready for the day when everything is going wrong, the kids are more off the wall than "norm", and you are on your 2nd glass of wine (okay, 3rd), your son comes to you and says "I'm having a really bad day and need a hug." Reminding you that he is attaching and wants your comfort?
Can you deal with the sloppy kisses of peanut butter and jelly, hands covered in mud to bring you that very special worm, and the offer of the last sticky bite of a donut covered in spit that only a mom would dare eat, and you eat it happily because it's the first time your child shared something with you?
When your daughter wakes you up at 3:00 a.m. to tell you she's sorry for scratching your beloved piano and gives you the remaining 4 cents from her piggy bank to pay for it, will you be able to stop the tears as you realize that it's the first time she's ever apologized for anything she's broken?
When you are standing in line at the store dealing with the 3rd temper tantrum of the day and someone makes a snide remark like "parents just can't control their kids", will your "mother bear" protectiveness come out as you realize you really do love your child and will do anything to protect her?
Are you ready for the first mother's day or father's day card that your son worked for 2 hours on and it says "you are the best mommy/daddy ever"?
There are joys and blessings. I know no one is disputing that, just thought I'd remind myself especially, how lucky I am to be the parent of my kids.
Crick