4 Things the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has in Common with Special Needs Parents

Netflix

Netflix’s new series the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt shows the adventures of Kimmy, played by Ellie Kemper, following her rescue from a cult.  The comedy series created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock is an entertaining break for anyone, including special needs parents. 

While watching the series, I noticed Kimmy has a lot in common with special needs parents.  Here is what I observed so far.

1.     Lack of a social life

Special needs parents have little or no social life because of their caring obligations. 

Kimmy did not have a social life for 15 years.  Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne kidnapped Kimmy and kept her in an underground bunker for 15 years!

2.     Resilience

Special needs parents hear the word “no” a lot when they request services for their children.  However, the word “no” does not stop us; we keep trying to get what our kids need.

After her rescue, Kimmy arrives in New York eager to get on with life.  She finds a job as a nanny for a wealthy New York family, but is fired on her first day.  Knowing she needs money for rent, Kimmy return to the socialite and gets her job back!

Jacqueline Voorhees (Kimmy's boss), Kimmy and Titus Andromedon,(Kimmy's roomate) (Netflix)

3.     Rarely loses composure

It takes a lot to rattle special needs parents used to tantrums, meltdowns, complaints and frustrations.

Kimmy is a happy and easy-going woman who keeps it together when she is rescued.  Even after losing $13,000, Kimmy remains composed.  Nevertheless, when her 30^th birthday party does not go as planned, things change.  Her stepfather and stepsister arrive unannounced.  Dong, Kimmy’s friend and Logan her boyfriend fight over Kimmy.  Kimmy gets upset and tells everyone to leave.

4.     Stands up to authority figures

While advocating for our children, special needs parents question authority figures including doctors, teachers and school administrators. 

Kimmy accompanies her socialite boss to spinning classes with a spinning “guru” Tristafé.  Kimmy realizes that the classes are like a cult and exposes Tristafé in dramatic fashion.

If you have not seen The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, it is time to go to Netflix and enjoy this entertaining series.

Disclosure:

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team and have received a free Netflix subscription and streaming device as part of my membership.  All opinions expressed within this post are my own.