As a mom of four children, I personally know that our kids are not born with filters.
They are curious and often direct with their questions and comments which can often leave us in awkward situations.
So, what do we teach, say or do when our child sees someone with a physical difference in public?
Should we hush them, practice avoidance, turn and walk the other direction, or whisper in their ear?
I am no expert nor can I speak for everyone, however, I can share from my personal experience and give insight on how I feel these situations can be handled. My daughter was born with a vascular birthmark called a port-wine stain on her face. She undergoes laser therapy treatments that often leave her with temporary, unusual purple spots that are bruises called purpura. We have been in public places and received many stares, awkward comments or accusations and have even been asked to leave a public children’s venue under the assumption that she had measles. I can honestly tell you that the stares and hushing of children’s innocent inquiries are the most difficult for me to deal with personally. I actually prefer questions which give me the opportunity to educate others and erase the awkwardness of the moment. I would like to encourage us as parents to shift our focus to teaching our children to embrace each other’s differences and replacing “don’t stare” with simply “smile and say hello.” As a culture, I feel we need to revert back to remembering to be friendly and kind to one another instead of separating ourselves.
We are each made marvelous and can leave marks of kindness that make differences greater than we may ever know.
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