Hey mamas,
My DD is 3.10 and we seem to have a pretty good grasp on discussing issues of racial, and other, differences. We are fortunate in that we live in a very diverse area, have all different types of friends, and there are countless opportunities to have these types of discussions. I would love, however, to hear from those of you who have talked, successfully or not, with your DC about people with severe disabilities. I'd also love input from mamas who have kids, or family members, etc., who face some of these challenges, and what you think would be a good and sensitive approach. I'm not talking here about someone in a wheelchair or who walks with braces - I'm thinking more along the lines of someone with pronounced mental challenges, severe CP - - things that might be harder to discuss/grasp. It's easy for me to say to DD in a matter of fact tone when she asks about the wheelchair-bound woman in the produce aisle, "she's in a wheelchair because her legs may not be very strong and thar's how she gets around." It is NOT easy for me to address someone's more "severe" disability. We were in a store the other day and a man was wheeling around a girl I assumed to be his daughter - - - her body was twisted in the chair, she had straps to keep her from falling out, straps to hold her head, she was drooling, rolling her head around and making noises. I confess I steered DD away from her because it broke my heart and I did not know what to say . . . . Likewise, I work with a man whose arms end at the elbow and he has three fingered hands. I have only known him over the phone for the past year and when we met in person I found myself wondering how I would explain it to DD.
I tend to overthink stuff but I'd love some help! Thanks in advance.
My DD is 3.10 and we seem to have a pretty good grasp on discussing issues of racial, and other, differences. We are fortunate in that we live in a very diverse area, have all different types of friends, and there are countless opportunities to have these types of discussions. I would love, however, to hear from those of you who have talked, successfully or not, with your DC about people with severe disabilities. I'd also love input from mamas who have kids, or family members, etc., who face some of these challenges, and what you think would be a good and sensitive approach. I'm not talking here about someone in a wheelchair or who walks with braces - I'm thinking more along the lines of someone with pronounced mental challenges, severe CP - - things that might be harder to discuss/grasp. It's easy for me to say to DD in a matter of fact tone when she asks about the wheelchair-bound woman in the produce aisle, "she's in a wheelchair because her legs may not be very strong and thar's how she gets around." It is NOT easy for me to address someone's more "severe" disability. We were in a store the other day and a man was wheeling around a girl I assumed to be his daughter - - - her body was twisted in the chair, she had straps to keep her from falling out, straps to hold her head, she was drooling, rolling her head around and making noises. I confess I steered DD away from her because it broke my heart and I did not know what to say . . . . Likewise, I work with a man whose arms end at the elbow and he has three fingered hands. I have only known him over the phone for the past year and when we met in person I found myself wondering how I would explain it to DD.
I tend to overthink stuff but I'd love some help! Thanks in advance.
What a wonderful way to talk openly about it. Like a pp said, I think being honest is best. But it shouldn't be in such a harsh way as to scare the kids.
