My Child Has CP. I Don’t Want Them to Grow Up Thinking They Have to Be a “Warrior

I see parents use words like "brave," "strong," "fighter," "warrior," and "resilient" when talking about their children with cerebral palsy. I understand where those words come from. Most of the time, they come from love and pride. But I've started wondering whether we're sometimes putting a burden on our kids without realizing it. My child didn't choose CP. They didn't decide to become an inspiration or prove something to the world. They're just a kid trying to get through school, make friends, have fun, get annoyed with their parents, and figure out who they are. Some days require more effort than others. Therapy can be tiring. Certain activities can be frustrating. There are things that take longer or require help. But there are also completely ordinary days where CP isn't the most interesting thing happening. That's what I want to protect. I don't want my child to think they have to be brave every time something is difficult. Sometimes it's okay to say, “This sucks.” Sometimes it's okay to need help. And sometimes they're not overcoming anything at all. They're just living their life. I know some people with CP genuinely appreciate words like "strong" or "resilient," and I respect that. Maybe the important thing is to listen to the person instead of deciding for them what their disability story should sound like. Personally, I'd rather my child be known for their personality, humor, interests, friendships, and dreams than for being someone's “little warrior.”