It’s 2025, lets stop judging children.

I can’t believe I even have to write this.

My son was born with NAS: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome which means he came into this world with drugs in his system due to his biological mother’s use. The fight he endured from day one is something that will forever break my heart.

Just because of this, he struggles with self-regulation, at a height and intensity far beyond what’s typical for kids his age who are still learning how to regulate themselves. We’ve made massive strides with the help of developmental and behavioral specialists, but some outbursts can last 45–60 minutes and may relapse 15–20 minutes after he calms. These moments are hard. For him. For us. He doesn’t want to be in that state. We don’t want him to be in that state.

Sometimes these episodes happen in public; at the park, the play gym, or like today… at Target.

Most days, I can shrug off the looks. But today, I couldn’t.

A woman stared at my son for an extended time and let out an audible scoff. I approached her and asked if she had a question, since she was clearly reacting to my child. She said, “No (scoff)… he just seems like he’s in distress.”

Let me be clear: that wasn’t concern. That was judgment. That was condescension wrapped in fake empathy. And I don’t appreciate it.

I told her it’s not kind to stare or scoff at a child any child, especially when they’re struggling. Often, there’s an underlying medical condition. Her reaction didn’t create a space of inclusion or compassion. It made my son feel uncomfortable. It made us feel uncomfortable.

I understand that not everyone will be accommodating. But kindness costs nothing.

It’s 2025. Children, whether neurodivergent, medically complex, or just having a hard day deserve grace. They deserve understanding. They deserve better than judgment from strangers who don’t know a thing about their story.

I’m proud I said something. I hope she walks through the rest of her life with more awareness; choosing compassion over criticism, and becoming part of a community that uplifts instead of gawks.

Let’s be kind. Let’s be kind to children. Let’s be better.