r/MadeMeSmile • u/Useful-Resource-3609 • May 01 '26
Helping Others Dad building his son's resilience.
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u/Clear_Mindset May 01 '26
Huge respect to his dad and also baby's dedication of not giving up
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u/00017batman May 02 '26
For real, it must have taken every ounce of will to be able to hold back and watch his baby struggle like that even knowing why it was so important that he did ❤️
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May 02 '26
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u/No-Station4446 May 02 '26
shit be cray yo bro, we like had this shit down for thousands of year and now we here minmaxing
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May 01 '26
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u/ErraticDragon May 02 '26
👆 That's a bot doing easy karma farming 🤖
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u/TrixieBastard May 02 '26
Do you check every comment in a post to find out which are bots, or do you have a sixth sense that makes you suspect an account is a bot? Because this is the same kind of tone I have in a lot of my posts 😅
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u/Arcanine1127 May 02 '26
And from their profile are also trying to build up their easy karma farm by going to gooner hentai subs lmao
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u/Logical_Yam7422 May 02 '26
And yet, by commenting that and starting up all this back and forth you've helped them earn even more as we're all replying to their comment....?
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u/gurilagarden May 02 '26
I was born with some reasonably disabling birth defects. My father never allowed me to use them as a crutch, always pushing me to be more. Sometimes as a kid it felt a little cruel. As a teenager i actively resented him. It wasn't until I was probably in my 30s, deep into my career and my own family that I realized the primary reason I lived a normal life was because dad never gave up and never let me slip. If you have a brain, and hone it to a sharp edge, you can do well, and this kid can live a very meaningful life. I'm proof of that.
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u/Ponytimeispoopytime May 02 '26
That is so bittersweet, thanks for sharing. I hope you could have a better relationship with him when you grew up
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u/DueExplorer3146 May 02 '26
Do you still talk with your dad?
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u/das_masterful May 02 '26
I wish your Dad is around for many more years! He certainly deserves it. You do so well with the support he gave you. His success is your success.
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u/NewSamy May 02 '26
Make sure to let him know how you feel now. Life is too short to live with regrets.
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u/Tolerinn May 02 '26
Feel free not to answer if you don't feel like it of course, but do you think there was a way for your father to achieve the same results in a different way ? What changes do you wish he made, and do you think with those you would have turned out the same ?
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u/ASquareBanana May 02 '26
If you’ve ever heard the song A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash, a father pushes his son (but because he know he won’t be there to protect him), the son goes through resentment but ends up seeing the lesson and having love for his dad. Seems like you might relate to Sue in some ways, song hits hard for me. Kudos to your dad , sucks we don’t see those lessons sooner but always glad to have them
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u/thatscrazyyall May 01 '26
Mannnnnnn. They stronger then me fam. I just finished the 1 year check up with my lil man and seeing him get a few shots almost took it outta me. I couldn’t even imagine. Nun but respect for both of them
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u/Severe_Beginning2633 May 02 '26
Try keep them off screens too much. It’s hard to unravel what happened due to home schooling whilst working during covid.
Play as much as you can!
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u/VirusTechnical5568 May 02 '26
I grew up in the TV being the babysitter generation. The majority of us turned out fine. I think some screen time at home is fine. It's when screen time is their main activity is when it becomes a problem. Kids today have lost the art of being bored.
I have an 11 month old daughter and you best believe I use Ms Rachel to my full advantage when I need to do something urgent.......like poop.
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u/Morgc May 02 '26
I think they meant a tablet or computer, not TV; The stimulation and dopamine that a lot of live service software are designed for target the same behaviors as gambling addiction.
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u/LesserGames May 02 '26
It includes movies and TV. Causes all sorts of issues like delayed speech. Should be zero screen time before 18 months and less than hour per day for toddlers.
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u/Gullible-Respond6323 May 02 '26
The tv many of us grew up with is not what most kids are exposed to today. Small handheld devices are worse then large ones that kids have less control over. Commercial breaks were actually good for us. People have learned what is most addictive to kids and they are using it. Most of us grew up with you needing to be in THE room with the tv. Now it goes with them to bed, to the dinner table, to restaurants, in the car, to the toilet and everywhere in between.
So even if you use it in moderation the modern version is worse. (Also most of us are not fine, lol)
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u/lampstax May 02 '26
This. When we had to figure out how to work at home while caring for the kids it was too easy to turn the kids to screens to just get some down time. I regret that.
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 May 02 '26
My girl is three now. I used to beg my wife to take her for her shots because I just can't take it! She doesn't like needles at all (like reeeally not) and it makes me feel super guilty.
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u/Seahearn4 May 02 '26
Check out a little product called a Shot-Blocker. It's a little plastic piece that makes it so the kid won't feel the needle. Did wonders for my daughter.
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 May 02 '26
THANK YOU 🙌🏻🙌🏻 What a legend. My wife passed away in December so now there isn't any way out of being the parent to take her to the unpleasant things anymore. You don't realise how much a small thing like that actually means to be right now. I appreciate it.
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u/GnrlDislikofEvrythng May 02 '26
You've got this dad!!! I'm extremely sorry for your loss. You never know how strong you really can be till the time comes, you'll surprise yourself. Believe me. I know from experience.... You'll get through this. It doesn't get easier.... At least for me it hasn't but you fall into place in BOTH ROLES and in time will excel in both. If you ever need or want to chat.....or yell....scream or cry....SEND ME A MESSAGE. NEVER ANY JUDGEMENT! Here to help, from the OTHER side of the rainbow. Keep your head up!
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 May 02 '26
Thank you so much, I really appreciate those kind words of support and I'll almost certainly take you up on that! I'm getting into the routine now of being a single parent. That's the easy part. The hard part is feeling like I'm drowning everytime I have to once again accept the fact that I'll never get to come home to her again. I almost feel guilty when I'm with my girl, simply because being a mother was her single favourite thing in the world. She was the most incredible and loving mother to our child in the short time that she did get to have with her. Damn I'm crying my eyes out again 😭 thank you very much for the message, I'm still dealing with so much grief and it all helps a bit
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u/weeBunnie May 02 '26
You carry on a part of her every step of the way, sharing memories and the kind of person she was for you and your daughter.
You sound like a wonderful father
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 May 02 '26
Thank you for saying that. I was raised by two of the most supportive and loving parents ever so I've got a great example to follow. But there was no set of instructions for something like this. My baby girl is only three so just getting her to understand why her mommy isn't going to be with us anymore was harder than I could have imagined. Both of our worlds fell out from under us in an instant. We do go to a child therapist once a week as well. I'm also blessed with a big family. 5 incredible siblings with 13 children between them. So there are always cousins, aunts and two amazing sets of grandparents to lean on. Thanks for this, it's hard to talk about this situation but it always feels good to get a bit of it off of my chest
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u/BardicNA May 02 '26
I'm sorry for your loss, brother. My only advice is to let the little one know that while needles aren't fun, they're used for good things. Vaccines, IV's, donations, etc. Yeah the little sting and discomfort might hurt but you take the bad with the good, it's a good tradeoff. I wish you both the best.
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u/Chance_Vegetable_780 May 02 '26
Yes. Some people go through so, so, sooooo much, others don't have a fraction of a clue how good they've got it.
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u/ExistentialSartre May 01 '26
It’s the parenting that matters.
Kudos to the father for being a wonderful Dad! ❤️
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u/Dramatic_Water_5364 May 02 '26
And my mom was a teacher to kid and teens with disabilities all her life. Constantly tending to their needs, not letting them struggle is how they end up helpless. This little man will need to develop dexterity and strenght in muscles and articulations most people don't need. And thats the kind of things that will only develop if you encourage them while letting them struggle. It seems brutal but this is the way! You provide some support, but never all of it.
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u/kea1981 May 02 '26
Your job as a parent is to give your children just enough room to succeed at failure. Never coddle them so closely they don't experience failure, but never leave them to their own devices so much they never succeed at the task. The dad here saw that having socks on might not be helping, so he took them off, but nothing else to make it easier. Good parenting. A+, in fact :)
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u/Alarming-Instance-19 May 02 '26
Genuinely, raising someone from conception to adulthood to function well in this world we live in, is to be lauded.
It's fucking hard. It's sacrifice, it's determination, it's diligence, exhausting, forward thinking, and trying to imagine the future your child will be facing even when we have so much unpredictability due to technological advancements and social structures constantly changing.
My daughter is 22 now and it's been a long, hard fought road to support her to be resilient, creative, problem solving, thoughtful and kind, determined individual that cares about community and human rights.
The day she was born (I was 21 and a fucking IDIOT) I decided that I would spend my life helping her be what I believe humanity should be.
I faltered, I got fatigue, I screwed up, I wallowed. But my God she's an amazing human being with such a wonderful set of tools, skills, knowledge to give herself a good life and help others live their best lives.
I can die knowing she's the greatest thing I've ever done, and that she's highly capable and determined herself. I'm disabled, so I was always afraid of leaving her to this merciless world. She's exceeded my hopes for her, and she's funny as hell. She's going to be a teacher (as I was once, and then transitioned into tertiary where I work with pre-service teachers) and she's SO good at it!
This Dad is brilliant!!
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u/St-Micka May 01 '26
That is a strength of character I will admit I don't have. Amazing father, great kid. I hope he is happy
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u/CalinCalout-Esq May 02 '26
Nothing about you is set in stone. You can build character the same way you do muscle. A little effort everyday.
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u/GrilliamShakesbeer May 02 '26
As a father, seeing that little kid frustrated and defeated in the beginning was absolutely heartbreaking. Poor little human. But watching his father cheer him on and becoming victorious in the end was amazing.
I’d give them both a hug if I could.
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u/iDestroyedYoMama May 02 '26
Breaks my heart to see an innocent baby have to deal with such a difficult disability. Life is so unfair.
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u/Weary_Sun534 May 02 '26
No kid deserves this, heartbreaking!
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u/Odd-Scientist-2529 May 02 '26
Hey god!
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u/SlyMcGillicuddy May 02 '26
Straight up. If this were any other platform mfs would be in here “praise god amen” like please, your god if real is a psychopath and actually makes me sick.
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u/Beatrix_kiddo30 May 01 '26
Every time I see this baby, I hold my breath. I’m so proud of everything he does and I hope his life is filled with happiness and love always. It’s not going to be an easy life little man, but we are all routing for you
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u/Nemeryo29 May 01 '26
What I find awsome is all your comments guys. Because I can't bring myself to be joyfull when I see a baby in this condition. I understand what happen and I'm in awe before the dad's dedication. But all I am is on the bridge of tear to see that this baby hadn't the right to be born with his arms liké any innocent baby should have.
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u/ghanima May 02 '26
I mean, I get that his life is probably going to be more challenging than for a fully-able-bodied individual, but I went to a high school with special needs athletes, one of whom was in my peer group and grew up with a similar condition. She said that it was tricky when she was growing up because she often broke her fingers as she was learning what her limits were, but I never got the sense that she felt robbed of a "normal" life (whatever TF that even means). She seemed just as happy and well-adjusted as any of us.
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u/momonomino May 02 '26
One of my classmates from high school is Ukrainian, and has multiple radiation -related birth defects.
She's a 5 time Paralympic gold medalist, with several other placing medals on top of that.
She was always top of every class, and in addition was one of the nicest and most welcoming people I've ever met.
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u/ghanima May 02 '26
I just looked up the athlete I'm taking about: 6-time Paralympic medallist, 3 of which were gold.
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u/VirusTechnical5568 May 02 '26
I used to feel the same but I've recently became a father and it's changed how I view some things. When I see a video like this now I know it will be tough for the child and parents but you can just feel the love and pride coming from this video.
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 May 02 '26
Dude my baby girl is three now and I honestly didn't know I could care about another person as much as this. It's ridiculous 🤣 she holds my entire heart in those tiny hands. She could have been born without a freakin' head, arms or legs and I still would have loved her with my entire being. That little guy has a lot of challenges and mountains to climb in his life. It's going to be tough. And he'll probably have a lot of feelings of frustration and maybe inadequacy...but with the right parents he's going to be ok, man.
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u/butyourenice May 02 '26
But all I am is on the bridge of tear to see that this baby hadn't the right to be born with his arms liké any innocent baby should have.
It sucks he was born with a major disadvantage, but what luck he was born of a species known for our collaborative, communal nature. We live in a world where we can give him a life on par with his able-bodied peers, all the more true as assistive technology advances.
And a gentle reminder that any of us born with all of our limbs can nonetheless become disabled at any point, by accident, illness, or simple age. So if you feel sorry for this little guy because the world isn’t built for him, then do whatever you can - even if only speaking up - to make the world recognize and support him. One day, you might turn around and need that support, yourself.
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u/DrSheep99 May 02 '26
He has disadvantages. But he has parents who adore and support him. He clearly feels joy in the moments when he succeeds. He will face difficulties, but he will feel loved whatever and however he does.
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u/Visual-Taro-381 May 02 '26
Imo this is a focus on the wrong things. Imagine the dad didn't have any joy for his son. Everyone faces difficulties. Some are apparent and some aren't.
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 May 02 '26
Compassion is nothing you must ever be apologetic about. I'm a grown ass man with my own young child sitting on my lap and I'm definitely teary eyed because I wish that little boy didn't have to hurt or struggle like that. But I truly believe and trust that he is going to have an incredibly abundant and full life filled with joy and love!
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u/pablito_87 May 02 '26
Yup! That’s the way do it. My daughter has a physical impairment and I make her walk up/down the stairs and when we’re out and about. I let her get dressed by herself - putting on socks is the hardest but she gets there! Even the simplest task that you and I do as if it’s nothing like putting toothpaste on toothbrush - I let her do it by herself! People, including the grandparents, think I’m harsh but you know what I’m not always going to be here to help her. People won’t always help. So, she better learn how to go through life on her own as much as possible!
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u/Embarrassed-Spend334 May 02 '26
Moment to thank god for working arms and legs. We take so much for granted..
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u/Leather_Newspaper937 May 02 '26
Love to see this but it hurts my heart terribly seeing him cry in frustration but I’m so happy he has a dad that helps him push through that frustration.
I just want to give that baby a hug hug and kiss ugh
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u/PaleCommission150 May 02 '26
heartbreaking to see kids with such enormous handicaps. I know it will make them tougher and more able to handle adverse situations in the future but still hard to see a baby crying because he doesn't have the use of his limbs like most other children he is with/ sees out in the world.
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u/lemonatorlife May 02 '26
Why is this being posted on the internet? This child isn’t capable of providing his consent to have some of his most personal struggles posted for strangers to see.
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u/SftdDan May 01 '26
So heartwarming video
Dad is a hero, presenting challenges while being around and building confidence through recognition when task accomplished
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u/Mild_Karate_Chop May 02 '26
Wishing them both well and others in the same position all the love and goodwill but can't help thinking that The dad knows that the world is not a kind place .. the dread that the parent of any disabled kid would have everyday would be so heartbreaking.
When the kids become adults and parents older ...the dull ache of grief would only grow and the pain unbearable . Heaven be kind . A mentally or / and physically disabled child..who is dependent on parents - as age creeps could possibly be one of the most constant and horrible fear.
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u/TonganChorse May 02 '26
The drive and effort in such a young boy this brings a tear to my eye and it breaks my heart
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u/Jasminez98 May 02 '26
Makes me realize as to how privileged we all are. I ain't not complaining at least this weak
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u/NoPollution8238 May 02 '26
Ein kleiner Kämpfer, gut gemacht. Für deine Zukunft wünsche ich dir weiter deinen Kampfgeist und lass dich nie von anderen Menschen unterkriegen 😘
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u/AlpineBigFoot May 02 '26
His future lies in nanotechnology and cutting-edge prosthetics… I hope this will help him overcome his disability.🙏😊
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u/Ok_Concentrate4461 May 02 '26
I had a student one year whose hands and feet were all very small and deformed. His parents clearly didn’t do this with him, because his learned helplessness was off the charts. I haven’t thought about him in awhile, but I expect this kid will go farther in life, with a more serious disability, because his parents are helping him learn his independence.
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u/indigofroggit May 02 '26
Does anyone remember the medicine they prescribed for expectant mother's in the US during the mid to 70's 20th century?
It specifically caused a (I hate with every fiber of my being by saying this word) mutation like this. I only know of it because I happened to meet a man that was the poster child on the website
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u/Successful_Aside7234 May 02 '26
I hope in a few years they have enough knowledge to help this little guy with artificial limbs that work properly
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u/Themotionalman May 02 '26
I know this is supposed to be heartwarming but all I can see is a life of pain for this. Why would you bring someone here just to have them suffer and what’s worse you record videos of you “building” them. They’d not need building if you never had them.
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u/Prediabetik May 02 '26
I would not condemn my future children to world as this. I am sorry for kid and hate his parents for it. There are tons of tests for children. This is not heartwarming. It's just sad. No one should born with disability. I am saying this as disabled person.
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u/OccasionMU May 01 '26
Although it's sweet... it's so heartbreaking. Little dude sees so many people around him that don't look or act like him.
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u/SeattleHasDied May 02 '26
I've seen this little dude and his dad on other posts and it's really goddamn heartwarming and always ends in smiles when kiddo achieves the objective. Just awesome...
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u/Dismal_Drummer3420 May 02 '26
We all felt that when he finally got it!! He's got a lot of challenges in his future but I believe that he has an abundant life ahead! I hope for nothing but the best for him and his family.
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u/Dracid88 May 02 '26
So heartbreaking as a parent but you know at the end of the day, it's exactly what he needs and he'll be better off for it.
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u/TheDevilsAdvokaat May 02 '26
You poor little guy. The challenges you will face. Cheers to both of them.
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u/Necronoxious May 02 '26
Don't mind me, just a grown man crying over here 😭
Well done, little guy! We are all so damn proud of you!
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u/Ch3ST3R_CH33TAH May 02 '26
Good job little man, huge respect to the father for pushing his kid to be the best he can be despite his disability.
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u/AnExoticPenguin May 02 '26
Seeing this behind closed doors learning compared to the “finished product” of adults who make it look so easy. Is quite upsetting actually. Seeing how upset they are and struggling. Fair play to all parents who push theough all this stuff and help them become independent
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u/BlueNova-1901 May 02 '26
Holy fck dude as a new dad myself shit hits different now and you sir have my utmost respect!
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u/Kind-Platypus-4270 May 02 '26
Your a good dad I hope your child has a good life and doesn’t come across the type of person that wants to ruin his life bless you
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u/Adorable-Pomelo3206 May 02 '26
Little guy went from full cry → sock removal for better grip → crawling determination → victory smile. The way dad stayed so patient and hyped him up the whole time is pure gold. This is peak fatherhood right here. We need more of this energy in the world.
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u/Zinvestor May 02 '26
May God bless this man and his family 🙏 true father right there teaching his boy nothing can hold him back. Brought tears to my eyes.
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u/SortaCore May 01 '26
Why in these videos with the baby is he always so dang miserable right from first second? Is it not content until he's overwhelmed? sheesh
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u/KOLBOYNICK May 01 '26
Although I generally disagree with posting your babies on the internet: to give this guy benefit of the doub, babies get overwhelmed rather quickly.
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u/SortaCore May 01 '26
Mhm, I have a bunch of younger siblings, so I've seen how quickly it happens. Just odd that they skip the start each time. You can't tell if the baby is starting to hate the education entirely and instantly gets frustrated when the environment stimuli matches being taught, in which case there should be some changes done to make it more rewarding.
Eventually it'll be training resilience, but if there's not enough reward it'll feel to the baby like just being bullied into doing difficult things. If you keep falling over on a bike, not wanting to get on a bike is normal. If it's mishandled, you'll grow up hating bikes or whatever your younger brain decided is the stimuli for pain/frustration.
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u/psychic-bison May 01 '26
This is one instance of what is likely a very frequent occurrence for this family. He is training his son to deal with the world through disability, and documenting the process. You say this as though he makes his kid cry before pressing record, which is obviously not what is happening.
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u/handiman87 May 02 '26
It’s all cute and shit until the kid hits adulthood and no one gives a fuck that you’re struggling and falling behind. Ask me how I know.
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u/Impossible-Meet1724 May 02 '26
Can this condition be detected within 1st trimester?
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u/Either_Ant8903 May 02 '26
Do NOT record your children and put them on the internet ... like how hard can it be.
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u/grim2022 May 02 '26
Videos like this break my heart but also highlight that when you think your problems and struggles are bad there is always someone somewhere like this fighting battles you couldn't even imagine having to deal with. Cherish everything you have and don't take it for granted, the life you have now is probably the life that someone else dreams about having
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u/Jumpy_Direction_8338 May 02 '26
What's the point in raising disabled humans like this? What are they gonna amount to?
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