Teaching Kids About Other Kids With Special Needs
Every child is special and every child is different. Some kids, depending upon the community they live in or the school they attend, do not encounter many, if any kids with special needs. This could range from physical issues, developmental differences, psychological or neurological diseases, or something else that makes them appear to be someone your child’s not used to seeing on a day to day basis.
In today’s world, there is more opportunity than ever for children to be exposed to all sorts of people, no matter where they live, thanks to the internet and television, and more and more kids with special needs are in the same schools with all the rest of the children learning together. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach your child about the differences in others, and how every child is unique and precious in their own way.
Usually, kids who see someone who is “different” have questions, and that’s understandable. Here is how to navigate the situation with honest information and respect.
Encourage Communication
Kids may awkwardly stare when they see a child with special needs. While your child may not realize he’s doing it, or that it may upset the other person, it’s usually because he’s simply interested or curious. A better approach would be to encourage your child to say hello and ask about the other child. Surely, the child with special needs is used to people feeling curious and would likely welcome an honest conversation so the child can get to know him better. This will help your child learn that kids with special needs are simply different, just like every child is from the next. Friendships can be made and a better understanding of differences and abilities can be gained.
Your Child May Ask, “But Why?”
Your child may be able to grasp the concept of the differences in others, but he may wonder why Bobby needs to use a wheelchair or Jenny cannot hear. Based on what you know about the child in particular, answer as honestly as you can. There is no reason to think the truth will frighten your child. In fact, the more information they have, the less fear of the unknown. Ask the other child’s parent if it’s OK to discuss their child’s special needs and talk about what makes him unique. When your child has more knowledge, he can pass it along to other kids, therefore bringing kids of all types and differences together. The more understanding, the more compassion, and the less the kids will seem so different after all.
How do you talk to your kids about kids with special needs? We’d love to share your tips for communication.
For more information like this, please visit All My Children blogs.
By: Melissa A. Kay
