Courtney Stewart is a mother of a 2-year-old son with Down syndrome in Erksine, Scotland. One day, she was babysitting another toddler with the same condition. The little boy became fascinated with her washing machine.
The appliance wasn't plugged in and there was nothing in it, so the little boy climbed right in. The door didn't shut, though Stewart gently held it closed to indulge him.
Knowing full well he was safe, Stewart snapped a photo of the boy. Thinking it was funny, she posted the image on Facebook for a laugh.
“He’s got a bit of a washing obsession. Anyone who knows him would know he’s got a washing obsession,” she said. “He is clearly laughing in the pictures."
However, when some strangers saw the photo, they immediately believed Stewart was hurting the boy. At least one person called child services, who came to the mother's home. They investigated but didn't find anything suspicious.
Things didn't end there, though. She said a neighbor knocked on her door and physically assaulted her when she answered. The 42-year-old neighbor was arrested on assault charges. Many believe Stewart is a victim of a recent trend called "parent shaming," where parents are bullied because others don't agree with their choices despite their children being unharmed.
“What did they think I was doing to him? Taking him for a spin?" she said. "It’s horrible having the police at the door thinking you’re a bad person."
Stewart acknowledged that many people believe children with Down syndrome are more vulnerable than kids who aren't special needs. The mother appeared on The Morning Show to set the record straight about the unnecessary bullying she received for the harmless photo.
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H/T: Dailymail
