Like all new moms, I marveled at Sam's ten fingers and toes, her perfect soft skin and healthy newborn tests.
Not all Mom's are so lucky, not all kids are so blessed.
But how do you tell your kid about those who are disabled? How do you make sure that they are kind and compassionate towards those who are different from themselves?
Here is a recent example of a lesson in inclusion, of treating others, no matter how different, with the same care you would treat your best friend.
A new girl joined Sam's class recently. A very big, obviously older, new girl.
Sam started talking about her to me, it went like this:
Sam: Joanie really smells bad Mom. And she can't read and she is mean to all the girls.
Me: She is mean to you?
Sam: Well, she only likes the boys. And she gets in trouble for copying other peoples papers. I think she is dumb and mean.
Me: Let's talk about this....
Which entailed trying to explain to Sam that some people have trouble learning. We have no way of knowing what conditions she is living in, she may not have a real home or anyone to make sure she studies or bathes. Looking at her, it is apparent that she is repeating this grade, perhaps more than once. So I am guessing that she has some learning issues. I advised Sam to try to understand that she does not have the same life that Sam does, to be emphatetic and kind.
Sam still reports to me about Joanie. I feel sad for this child, "disabled" in a way that is nearly invisible to most. But today, as we walked by Joanie playing basketball with a boy today, she called out happily "Hi Sam!" And Sam returned the greeting, just like she would a good friend.
Of course, there are children much worse off than Joanie. Check out what CVS is doing to help disabled children have a better chance at a rewarding life.
And remember, all kids need help, either with learning to be inclusive of disabled or different seeming people and those who are disabled.
with love for all
deb
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