Parenting can often feel like a whirlwind of chaos and responsibility. Between feeding, bathing, and dressing our children, there’s a mountain of laundry and dishes that never seems to shrink. Amidst all this, we must also instill values of kindness and civility in our kids. We don’t need to concoct elaborate lessons; life provides ample opportunities for teaching.
Recently, I took my daughter, Mia, to a play area where I was thrilled to see her interacting with another child. However, my joy quickly turned to disappointment when I overheard that child referring to Mia as the “weird girl” who claimed to be blind and used a cane. As a parent who is also visually impaired, I felt a mix of sadness and frustration.
I want to clarify that my frustration wasn’t directed at the child; kids are simply unaware of the complexities of disabilities like blindness. It’s our role as parents to guide them through these topics. Unfortunately, the opportunity for learning was missed when the child’s mother responded with a quick “just be nice.” While I appreciate the importance of kindness, this response fell short of fostering understanding. This vague instruction didn’t challenge the notion that being blind is “weird,” but merely suggested it’s unkind to voice such opinions.
Why not seize the moment for deeper discussions? A few simple explanations could have reshaped that child’s perspective. For instance, explaining, “Being blind means you can’t see, and that’s just different,” or asking, “What do you think it would be like not to see?” These responses could have fostered empathy and understanding, which are crucial as we navigate our diverse world.
I understand that parenting is hectic, and sometimes it’s easier to stick with the bare minimum. Yet, moments like these can be pivotal for shaping a more compassionate future. It’s essential for children to learn to engage with those who are different from them, and that’s how we build a more inclusive society.
In that moment, I decided to step in and gently corrected the misunderstanding. I told the mother that being blind isn’t weird—it’s simply different. Her response was a hurried, “Well, she’s still learning,” which made me want to say, “Shouldn’t you be guiding her?” Instead, I asked, “I’m blind, but I hope you don’t think I’m weird.” While it may have caused her some discomfort, I have no regrets. Sometimes, a little awkwardness can spark necessary conversations.
Perhaps on their way home, they had a more meaningful discussion. I genuinely hope that next time the child encounters someone who doesn’t fit the mold, they’ll respond with curiosity rather than judgment. This shift in thinking could contribute to a kinder world for everyone.
The truth is, I don’t always capitalize on teaching moments as effectively as I’d like. I fall short at times, but I strive to make the most of these opportunities because my time with my children at home is limited. It’s vital to teach them about self-awareness, empathy, and the complexities of our world.
Regardless of our differing parenting styles, we all share a common goal: to raise kind, thoughtful individuals. Let’s work together to achieve that. If you’re interested in more insights on this topic, check out other posts from our blog.
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Summary
Parenting is a challenging journey filled with opportunities to teach empathy and understanding. A recent experience highlighted the need for parents to educate their children about disabilities, emphasizing the importance of kindness and awareness. By using everyday moments to foster conversations, we can help cultivate a more compassionate society.