'It’s not inappropriate': My 7yo still uses a dummy for a very good reason

"Fact: different 'rules' apply for different-needs kiddos," mum Shannon captioned the video with over 3 million views.

Let's face it - parents, and even non-parents, are swift to judge other parents and their children. We see someone who does something a bit differently than we do, and we make all types of assumptions about their lives.

One mother on TikTok is warning against this type of behaviour after being judged by internet trolls over how she's allowed her daughter to self-soothe at the age of seven.

Shannon Willardson has three children, including two 7-year-old daughters. Despite facing criticism online, she explains that her decision to give one of her daughters a pacifier is misunderstood.

What many don't realise is that her daughters have special needs.

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Back down, finger waggers! 

The words on the video read: "POV: the internet shaming me for giving my 7-year-old a pacifier even though she's not typically developing."

Shannon's daughters have an extremely rare genetic disease, Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation. Which results in developmental delays. 

Her daughters are non-verbal and are fed through a tube. She shared that there are less than 20 people ever to be diagnosed with their type of CDG. So, the family has decided to share their story to raise awareness and brighten the world with her girls' "perfect sunshine."

She captioned the video with over 3 million views: "Fact: different 'rules' apply for different-needs kiddos. Developmentally, my daughters are under the age of 1, so it’s not inappropriate for them to have a pacifier—especially because they significantly help to comfort them. All of their doctors, PTs, and OTs agree!"

Shannon Willardson with her daughter. Source: TikTok

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"You do what you need to"

Sadly, Shannon posted this in response to the hurtful comments in earlier videos. Thankfully, this video flooded the Willardson family with support and love. 

"You know your baby best!" one user wrote. "You do what YOU need to do for her!"

"Had a pacifier until I was nine because I couldn’t sleep without it (literally). I used to find it weird people got off pacifiers earlier," one user confessed.

“People who have never lived with, raised, or worked with develop-delayed people will never understand,” another commented.

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"Not to make judgments on physical appearances"

While another teen had this to say: "17-year-old here who has age regression and anxiety! I have an adult pacifier, and it's really comforting

Not everyone was supportive, despite many users encouraging others to keep their judgements to themselves. 

One offered, "If it'd be okay to suggest, they have bigger pacifiers on Amazon. If her mouth is big enough, it may be better for her teeth and still soothe her." 

"It'll ruin her teeth," cried another. 

Finally, as one TikTok user said, “Soon, it’ll be the norm not to make judgments based on physical appearances.”

Here's hoping. 

Originally published as 'It’s not inappropriate': My 7yo still uses a dummy for a very good reason