Rosa Monckton is the mother of a teenage daughter with Down syndrome. Her stirring documentary, “When a Mother Can’t Love Enough,” not only addresses her struggles and triumphs, but also the plight faced by all parents of children with disabilities and the need for improved support services and resources.
Based in the UK, Monckton advocates for the rights of children with disabilities and their families. She understands the seemingly insurmountable challenges of raising such a child, and the feelings of helplessness and frustration that often overwhelm a parent’s ability to cope. Getting to a place of acceptance can often be a long and difficult journey, especially in those moments when all the love in the world can’t overcome the daily obstacles.
We were introduced to other families struggling with similar situations, including a teen with severe Asperger’s. Innocent erratic behavior has recently given way to violent outbursts, tantrums and physical assaults. Sometimes parents do not know their sons well, and their efforts to seek professional help are met with harsh opposition.
Apathy stems from a lack of understanding, but the movie overcomes that by letting us experience what it’s like for these families in crisis. In the most extreme and prominent cases, some parents ended the stress and turmoil by taking the lives of their children. This is a stark conclusion for a system that does not recognize its role in supporting families of children with disabilities.
Through Moncton’s passionate advocacy, we draw attention to the government’s fundamental failure to provide adequate public education and more support for social workers and caregivers. After all, if these children are given the opportunity to thrive with loving patience and proper care, they can all make great contributions to society.
But ultimately, we all have a responsibility to show compassion to those in need. On the most basic level, reminding us when a mother’s love isn’t enough, we’re all in this together.
Directed by: Stephan Atkinson
