I am usually an optimistic person. It drives my husband crazy that I always look for the silver lining. The truth is, life with Bridget isn’t always easy. Beyond doctor, therapy, school and paperwork there is also just life with a child who cannot express her frustrations.

Recently I was taken aback when I was told that I am doing parents a disservice because I am promoting that having a child with special needs is all sunshine and none of the darkness.  I asked if they read more than one of my blog posts, because I tend to vent quite a bit on our struggles. 

I do concede that I focus more on the positive. I know it is my own fault, that I show people just the positive side of Bridget. To be honest, that isn’t to mask what our life is really like. I do this because at heart I am a positive person. It’s how I choose to live my life (and yes, I do believe it is a choice to be positive rather than a doomsday perspective).

And seriously, what parent tells you their kid is a total jerk? Or will tell an expectant mom that life isn’t all sunshine and unicorn butts when you bring your newborn home?

But for the person who recently told me that my life was “so easy” with Bridget I offer this evidence….

This, my friends, is a daily occurrence. Well not the filming, usually her sister is trying (unsuccessfully) block out the noise in order to do her homework. Yes, I also usually ignore the tantrum. I know it makes me look heartless, but my fear is that one day she will be 18 and I really do not want to be picking her up off the floor.

For the mom who just experienced this with your 2 year-old, never fear, you are not alone. My advice? Don’t focus on the tantrum. Focus on the smile.

But that’s just me.