I am a Duck!

So our family Doctor tells me!

We had a visit to our Doctor on Friday as Her Cuteness was unwell. While we were there he was asking about HRH. I gave him an update on progress, appointments and therapies.

That's when he gave me the 'You are a duck' line. He explained that I appear so calm and collected on the surface, but underneath I am paddling furiously.

This idea really tickled me and I thought I would share it, maybe even indulge in a bit of metaphor stretching deep thinking! You see, I think the majority of parents fall into this category, special needs children or not, one or more children, mothers working inside or outside the home, single parents etc. Every parent will experience a period of frantic paddling, likewise we will have times where it seems easier and a gentle push will keep us going.

I looked up the collective noun for a group of swimming ducks. The words are 'Raft' and 'Team'.

When I think of 'raft' I immediately think of a life raft. When I think of 'team' I think of lots of people working towards something, together. So, if I am a duck I need my 'raft' or my 'team'. Well I am a lucky little duck because I have supportive family and friends who can act in either role.

If you are a duck go and find other ducks who are paddling for the same reason. You can be sure that you are not the only one. Find some parenting forums to begin with or track down other parents in similar situations and help each other out. Great friendships can come about this way.

If you are a duck who has a child with Autism you might consider this Facebook support group (Tiem Irishautismaction). This group has been a huge part of my support network since my son was diagnosed. There is a wealth of kindness, knowledge and support available too everyone and it all comes from other parents sharing their experience. I mention this issue specifically because it is such a big part of my life.

I hope the metaphor made you smile. It made me laugh, but it will also work. I won't forget it and maybe I will remember to check how fast I am paddling sometimes, see if I can slow down a little.

Any ducks out there willing to stand up and be counted?



End of metaphor, I promise.