A few excerpts from 10 Things Every Parent Should Teach Their Kids About Disabilities ...
"When it comes to staring, kids get a “Get of Jail Free” card.""The world is full of people who are different."
"Letting them know we can do many things on our own is a huge lesson for kids."
"Our chairs aren’t glued to our butts."
"Our wheelchairs aren’t oversized strollers."
"Fear, shame or embarrassment is not what you want your kids to feel in the presence of disability."
"Drive home the notion of a wheelchair as being an empowering object, not one that symbolizes helplessness."
"Feeling nervous, awkward or afraid around people with disabilities will only make your kids feel the same way."
"While some of us do have some awful chronic pain, letting your kids know a disability doesn’t necessarily equate to physical pain can take a definite load off their mind."
"My 6-year-old niece is a great example. She’s still too young to understand the concept of a spinal cord injury, so I just tell her my legs just don’t listen to me anymore, and she understand it completely."
Kids (also adults) are afraid of what they don't understand. I liked this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather! Great point about fearing what we do not understand.
DeleteEnjoyed this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise!
DeleteGood post. I've also found out that when a child is staring give them a warm smile and say "hello." The warm smile is the important part. They usually smile and say "hi" back and sometimes they'll even walk up and ask questions. Knowing it's okay with me makes mom or dad feel more comfortable too.
ReplyDeleteSo true Nani. Our grandkids have grown up with my wife's wheelchair. Do not think that they remember when she walked. Kids are so accepting and loving. Great to see them interact.
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