My Child, My Choice

This should speak for itself, but I am increasingly frustrated by the public ignorance around issues which don't affect them, and the arrogance in thinking it "isn't their problem".

I made a choice, it is my right,                                      

I have no wish for verbal fight
But if you seek you to challenge me,
My human rights are plain to see.

For choices made for X and Y
Are all I can be accounted by
I will not consider others' fear
My responsibility ends right here.

But does it? Can it be so plain
That you can choose and choose again
Whilst blessed with this luxury of choice
You choose not to hear those with no voice.

The children whom we cannot protect
Or cannot feed, or clothe and yet...
Apparently this is all fine,
As long as it's not yours or mine.

All simple choices made by you
Will impact wider - and as they do
Those "others" whom you chose not to hear
They have rights too- just not so clear.

Vaccination, a hot potato,
Decisions made, results come later
So much written, none too clear
Unless you're reading without fear.

Thus selfish, pseudo-educated views
Become much more when out on view
Social Media is much to blame it's true
Endorsing "Me" and Forgetting YOU.

The smokers stating "It's my Life"
The drunks on Friday "I have that Right"
They're taking Liberty just too far, forgetting there is another "R"
Rights they have but something else, they leave RESPONSIBILITY on the shelf.

Linking with

A Different Me? It's all about choices

I've just accepted a voluntary role as a parent service user working with providers and parents for our local Short Breaks Provider (supporting disabled children) and am incredibly excited about it. Regular readers will know I am passionate about raising awareness disabilities, "hidden" ones in particular, hoping that in raising awareness we can normalise future outcomes for children with additional needs.

The role really "fits", giving me a wonderful and unique opportunity to use my skills and experience in a flexible position that allows for the often unpredictable family life that is our reality. And it's precisely that reality that has led me to consider - and even focus - on disability and additional needs. In many ways I'm profoundly grateful that I no longer live in a surreal bubble, blissfully unaware of the daily challenges many face in this area.

But I would be lying if I didn't sometimes feel rather weighed down, longing for liberation and the mythical ease of existence other parents apparently have. 

Creative Commons/ Flickr copyright Irwandy Mazwir 

Too Much Excitement?

But is there such a thing as TOO MUCH excitement?

Absolutely. Because you can't live your life doing something like THIS every day.

Creative Commons / Flickr copyright GlynLowe

And yet this is what we are bringing up our children to expect. Bigger, better, more WOW factor every time. Forget drugs, the biggest problem the next generation face is adrenalin addiction, and I don't mean too many roller coaster rides.