Mum Helped Parent Of Child With Special Needs At Soft Play Centre And The Outcome Was Amazing | HuffPost Life

'Think. Then offer kindness. It matters.'

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Life editor at HuffPost UK

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A mum who helped out a parent who had a child with special needs at a soft play centre encouraged others to help those who are struggling.

The mother, who posted her story on the Love What Matters Facebook page on Sunday 23 July and her blog ’40 Wishes and Counting’, explained she witnessed a woman who had been at the top of the plastic slide for “hours”.

“She was trying everything she could think of to get her son out of there,” the mum explained. “He wasn’t coming down. I smiled and told her what a good mum she was and I admired her.

“I could tell he was special needs in the way she spoke to him and [the way] he responded. She had so much patience and strength.”

The mum continued: “Later we tried to get my kids to coax him into leaving. I even suggested to mum we can bribe him with a later play date.

“With tears in her eyes, she said thank you. She told me most mums look at her like she has a disease. How heartbreaking.”

The mum explained that the next thing she new, other children in the play area were offering up their help, too.

She continued: “Eventually [the mum] was able to get her son out, praising him on his good choices. So next time a mama is struggling... think about it.

“Think about what you would want to hear in that instant. Think of the courage it took. Think. Then offer kindness. It matters. Every little bit matters.”

The Facebook post had nearly 20,000 likes in less than 24 hours.

One person wrote: “Thank you for this. I’m not even a mum, but I’m so tired of women cutting each other down or - maybe worse - doing nothing at all. We need all the support we can get these days.”

And another wrote: “Mum-of-four here, three with dual diagnosis of autism. Outings are sometimes difficult, followed by stares and rude comments. But negativity only lasts a few hours, kindness lasts for days. Thank you for your compassion.”

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

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You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

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I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

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