Marketing by Manipulating Parent's Emotions

I received an email today saying I should not feel guilty for lack of teaching specific skills to my son with autism.  Why did they want me to know this? So I would buy their products of course!

Unfortunately for them I will not buy the product, and I won't buy into the manipulation of my emotions either.  This article is to empower you to do the same.

Reality check: Yes, I feel guilty.  I'll admit it. 

When I go to bed at night I can torture myself by reviewing everything I could have done more of, or better.  I'll wish I worked harder with my son (Ian) that day.  I'll regret not having him practice the 'L' sound or tying his shoes.  I may feel disappointed in myself that I didn't work on something new. 

The guilty thoughts begin to apply to my other children who arguably receive less of my attention while I'm working 1:1 with Ian. I can go on and on depending upon the day and the circumstances.  I can also keep myself awake all night with these thoughts and subsequent worries.

It's no secret that guilt accompanies parenting a child with special needs.  As a matter of fact, learning of your child's disability begins a grieving process in itself. Part of that process is dealing with guilt and a host of other emotions (such as frustration, fear, inadequacy or loneliness).  I think parents should know the emotions that may surface while on this journey known as parenting.

I also think parents should know companies exploit these emotions in order to make a profit off our children's disability.

I don't mean to sound cold when I say this but I want everyone reading this, especially parents like me, to understand and consider this:The majority of companies do not care about us, our children or our long-term results.  They are businesses with a bottom line and have to effectively market their product.

Any marketing expert will tell you successful marketing means emotionally hooking a potential buyer.  I'm a business owner and I have no problem with savvy marketing and an effective campaign; until I see tactics like I described above. 

Playing on my competency and wishes to help my child is one thing - playing on my guilt and insecurities is another.

If this topic wasn't such a bee in my bonnet, I would have probably read that email, related to feeling guilty and ultimately purchased the product marketed to relieve my guilt - not help my child - relieve my guilt - what a significant difference!

Parents, please consider a company's tactics when you are purchasing products or services for your child. Do not put yourself in a position to have your emotions manipulated; not by a company, person, school or other provider.   Do not give your hard earned money to a business that has scared you into making a purchase.

As a consumer, your money is power and where you spend it sends a message. 

Send a message that says we are not as desperate as you think. We make decisions 
based in logic, sound-thought, and reality, with the confidence in knowing we are the ultimate expert when it comes to our child.