Here's a phenomenon that's rarely discussed: parent abuse. As in, when your darling kids unintentionally maim you or otherwise do you harm. Talk about job hazards. Over the years, I've gotten whacked in the head (too many times to count), poked in the eye (ditto), punched in the lip and head-butted in my stomach. Once, Max tried to shove a Matchbox car in one of my ears while I was sleeping. Happily, I am not a heavy sleeper. Max also has this habit of grabbing one of my boobs when he's trying to get my attention, since evidently poking me or saying "Ohmmy!" is just not sufficient.
This weekend, Max ran over my right toes with his kiddie tractor trailer. I fully realize I am damn lucky that my child with cerebral palsy is able to ride a tractor trailer. But OMG, that hurt. The first three toes have turned a lovely shade of purple, so at least some good came of it (you guys know how much Max loves purple).
There really isn't much you can do in situations like this. Screaming "OUCH!" only freaks your kid out, and screaming "OH. MY. GOD. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THAT HURT?!!!" will only result in years of therapy for him. So you just sort of stifle it as the tears well up in your eyes and hope that your toes or ear stay attached and that your kidney doesn't fall out or anything.
And you think, "Wow, the stuff I put up with in the name of parenthood."
What forms of parent abuse have you endured?
Photo by Ciel Photography
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