While sitting in a waiting room at Children’s Hospital a man and his young son sat down next to us. The little boy saw Bennett and asked his dad about B’s ear. The father quickly hushed him and told him to be quiet. You guys, this hurt me to my core! Not what the little boy asked, but how his curiosity was immediately shut down by his father. He was inquisitive with a clear desire to learn and understand. This was a perfect teaching moment, regardless of how uncomfortable he felt. Something as simple as “That is how he was born. It’s what makes him special,” could have done wonders for that curious little boy.
I assured his father that his question was fine and that he was just curious. Then went on to explain to the little boy that Bennett was born with one little ear and one big one.
So today, I beg you to talk to your children about differences. Help them understand that some children have facial differences like extra wide smiles, different or even missing ears. They may have missing limbs or a shorter stature. Some wear helmets to shape their head and others need wheelchairs to get around. Some are fed with a tube instead of using their mouth. Some need devices to help them hear or glasses to see. Some communicate with signs while others may not be able to communicate at all. Some breathe by a tube in their throat and some wear oxygen on their nose. Some have disorders/disabilities that cannot be seen with the eyes. The list could go on, but I think you get the point.
These differences may not be a part of your life, but for many it is their reality. Expose your kids to diverse people - people of different colors, races, genders, appearances & disability so that encountering someone with a visible difference is not a surprise or scary. Show your children pictures and answer their questions. Teach kindness, acceptance, inclusion and empathy.
Above all, please remind your littles that aside from all the beautiful things that make us different our hearts are all the same inside.
"Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind."
Comments