Dear Mom,
I want to extend my sincerest apologies. I once believed my child wouldn’t notice the differences around him. I thought they would just engage in play, unaware of any disparities. I assumed he would interact freely, without acknowledgment of the wheelchair, the hand-flapping, the outbursts, or any other aspects that make our children unique. But I was wrong.
My heart sank when he pointed and frowned at your child flapping her hands in excitement. I felt a rush of heat to my cheeks when he instinctively hid behind me at the sight of your son’s wheelchair. It’s a complicated matter, isn’t it? So complicated that even a toddler can articulate it simply—“Mommy, I scared.”
And that’s where it all begins—this nuanced journey of understanding. It starts with fear of the unknown. Why would I expect my little one to react differently? He’s just being a child.
So here’s my pledge: I vow to openly discuss our differences. If he points at your child while we’re out shopping, I won’t hush him with whispers of shame. Instead, I’ll engage in conversation. We’ll discuss not just the differences but also the commonalities.
- “He uses a wheelchair to get around, just like you use your legs. Look, he’s wearing a PAW Patrol shirt, just like yours!”
- “She flaps her hands when she’s excited, and you laugh and clap when you’re happy. It seems you both enjoy watching those monkeys!”
- “She has Down syndrome, but you both love kicking a soccer ball around.”
- “He may not have hair, and you have lovely curls. But hey, he’s wearing a blue hat, and blue is your favorite color too!”
Those brief moments of acknowledging both differences and similarities might feel a bit awkward, but they are essential. If it helps eliminate fear and fosters a space where our children can play together freely, it’s worth it. Parenting is a challenge; if it isn’t, we might be doing it wrong.
And please understand, this isn’t about me trying to feel good or charitable. It’s about ensuring my child has the chance to connect with incredible individuals like yours. I witness kindness, tenacity, and humor every day from your children. I don’t want my little one to miss out on those enriching experiences, nor do I want any child to.
So let’s connect over coffee and watch our kids learn from each other. Who knows—maybe one day, as adults, they’ll share a coffee together too.
For additional insights on parenting and navigating unique journeys, you can check out this excellent resource focusing on pregnancy and home insemination, or explore spring break safety tips for expecting and nursing moms enjoying a fun holiday. And don’t forget to explore this blog post for helpful tips and products.
In summary, let’s commit to fostering understanding and connection, not only for our children but for a future where differences are celebrated.