Comments on: How to Help Your Child Relate to Kids With Special Needs

By: Blaire

Blaire — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 07:29:54 +0000

I hope we reach a point where, in discussing differences of the physical, emotional, cognitive or developmental variety the word disabled isn’t used as often in the context. I had a gut reaction going from top to bottom with the article because I felt it began with a tone of, “it’s ok honey, they won’t hurt you.” To a tone of “all the little children of the world.” Trying to teach your children not to be afraid of differences is beautiful and I think crucial for genuine character. However, I feel explaining how we are not to separate, discriminate, etc based on differences that are detected physically or through social interaction loses some of its value and credibility when “disabled” is in nearly every paragraph as an adjective. My oldest child is Autistic and I would never think to say his is disabled. Understand, I am not a political correctness fanatic on any level. I am also not blind to or in denial of his diagnosis. However, there is nothing disabled about my child. Did he have a speech delay and still require speech therapy? Yep. Do I suck at geography? You bet! Does my kid sometimes roar and act like a dinosaur out of nowhere (seemingly)? Uh huh. Do I talk to myself in public when I quickly realize that I just spotted the hard to find item on my grocery list? Most definitely. I guess with all of my blathering on, the point I’m trying to make is that teaching kids about differences is great, but it should apply to all of us out here in this crazy world! I don’t think my child needs to come up and be friendly or talk to someone just because they look different. To me, that’s as confusing as the avoiding eye contact with the same person for the same reason. I agree that we should encourage kids to ask questions. I agree that educating our kids (and grown ups too) in order to aid in understanding, personal development and perspective is crucial! I’ll continue to encourage my kiddo to do his thing and be himself and if your kiddo wants to come play, ask him questions, or they share interests; cool! Understand though, my kiddo may not want to play the games, act, or talk like “non disabled” kids because maybe they just don’t want to. Not because of a “disability,” but a preference.

By: Blair

Blair — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:28:58 +0000

In reply to Michele Manhire. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! What kind words! So glad to hear that you feel I did the topic justice as I know it's one that is near and dear to you. Truly appreciate your feedback and that you took the time to share. :)

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 12:29:07 +0000

In reply to Michele Manhire. We are lucky to have Blair sharing her words and wisdom!!!

By: Michele Manhire

Michele Manhire — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 22:52:41 +0000

How did this one get by me?! What a great article Blair!! I had one of these moments while reading, where your gutt goes, “Yeah, see? I knew she was ‘good people’! She ‘gets it’!” And that you do. On many levels, thanks for espousing these ideas, teaching them to your dear children, writing about it, and especially sharing it with the world. It means a lot!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 13:20:14 +0000

I love this article! As the mother of three boys with autism, I can tell you that it’s so important to spread awareness. Kids might ask what seems like inappropriate questions but remember…they are kids. They are brand new humans who don’t know things. It’s our job as parents to teach them. I’ve taught my children to embrace their autism, rather than hide from it. I don’t want them to feel like there is something “wrong” with them. Because there isn’t. They are just wired a little different. Great post! I hope many parents follow your example ?

By: Emily Learing

Emily Learing — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 03:23:38 +0000

I’m glad to know that people are sharing the protocol for how to address differences. My sister-in-law has cerebral palsy and wears a brace on her leg. When kids ask their parents what’s going on, why she’s different, parents are MORTIFIED. It’s like they are actually surprised that their kid asked a question about something that is different than what they are used to seeing.

I want every parent to know that if their kid asks about my sister-in-law’s brace in public, our whole family is fine with it if you explain why (and if you don’t, I will because I’m a therapist and I’m fine with talking with random children in public if I think there’s a lesson to be learned!). But our whole family will be disappointed if you scold your child, and my sister-in-law will feel like an alien.

Thanks for the post!

By: Blair

Blair — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 20:29:19 +0000

In reply to Elena Verigo. Elena, thank you so much! What a kind comment. I couldn't agree more- focusing on ability rather than disability is how disabled children strive to live every day, and what an inspiration to us all! I'm so glad to hear you feel I did the topic justice- it's one that's very important to me!

By: Elena Verigo

Elena Verigo — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 20:15:59 +0000

Hey Blair, what a fantastic article! Thank you so much….from the whole of the humanity! 🙂

Children with disabilities are a real blessing to us in so many ways. They can teach us so much….to live in the present moment, to appreciate health, to focus on ability rather than disability, to develop compassion, to celebrate the richness of life in all its diversity.

Well-done! A super important topic, and beautifully delivered.

Elena