QUADRIPLEGIC MOM SPARKS DEBATE OVER CONTROVERSIAL PARENTING RULES<br />WITH VID AND PIX <br />BY SHANNON PICKETT <br />This mum has shared her controversial parenting decisions as a quadriplegic, stating that if she can't go somewhere then neither can her children. <br />Jessie Owen, a 40-year-old mother from Washington, USA, has found herself at the centre of a heated online debate after sharing her unconventional parenting approach raising twin boys.<br />Jessie, who became paralyzed from the neck down, has gone viral for outlining her rules. In a video that’s drawn both praise and backlash, she lays out what she calls her “three controversial parenting choices” as a disabled mom.<br />She said: “If Mommy can’t go, we’re not going.<br />“I’m not teaching them that accessibility is something Mommy fights for while you go off and play.”<br />She explained that her family has turned down birthday parties, vacations, restaurants, and activities that aren’t accessible.<br />Her approach doesn’t stop there. She insists her three-year-old sons help around the house, not because she’s disabled, but because everyone should contribute. <br />That means bringing in groceries, helping with laundry, and even plugging in her wheelchair.<br />Still, Jessie says she balances structure with openness. Her sons are allowed to paint their nails, wear dresses, cry in public, and express themselves freely.<br />Some of her other parenting stances have stirred even more discussion online. She refuses to let her kids watch The Little Mermaid stating that the film teaches them that women give up their voices for men.<br />Despite her confidence, Jessie admits that much of the pushback has come not from non-disabled critics, but from within the disabled community itself. Some disabled parents have said they believe her “If Mommy can’t go, we’re not going” rule unfairly restricts her children.<br />She clarified that her stance doesn’t apply to inherently physical activities like scuba diving, but rather to environments that could and should be inclusive.<br />She said: "Joy is not the reward for turning and looking the other way and pretending it doesn’t matter. Accessibility matters in our family.<br />“I’m not throwing a parade for that. I’m not raising men who expect applause for participation.<br />“They’re learning to hear it, respect it, and regulate their emotions when they’re sad about it.<br />“We’re trying to raise men who can change a tire, a diaper, and their own minds when presented with more information.<br />“Most of us have spent our disabled time being left behind.<br /> “The more I say, ‘Go on without me,’ the more I reinforce that my presence is optional. Accessibility isn’t a limitation - it’s a value.<br />“If a venue isn’t accessible or it’s wildly expensive just for me to watch from the sidelines it’s a no. That boundary is rooted in advocacy and respect for our family.”<br />“It’s about principle, not perfection. Accessibility matters - and so do the people who need it.”<br />ENDS
