As a mom known for my kindness, I’ve always made it a point to comfort kids in need at school pickups or keep an eye on little ones wandering the grocery store aisles. But everything changed yesterday when I found myself telling a golden-haired girl at the park to go away.
It was a splendid day, perfect for creating family memories. I packed a picnic lunch filled with snacks, balls, bubbles, sand toys, and a Frisbee. My eldest daughter, Mia, brought her scooter, while my youngest, Lucy, navigated her pink power wheelchair through the park. My goal was to spend quality time with both girls, helping Lucy experience the joy of climbing, sliding, and swinging—activities that can be quite challenging for a child who can’t stand independently.
Upon our arrival, we found a shady spot to lay out our blanket. Lucy parked her wheelchair, and we enjoyed lunch together, playing a silly game while Mia zipped around on her scooter. Soon, we moved to the swings and slides, with Mia leading the way.
Once we reached the swing set, I assisted Lucy into a swing, holding her hands to provide support as I gently pushed her into the air. Laughter filled the air as she called out to Mia. It was a delightful moment that quickly changed when a golden-haired girl, around five or six years old, approached. Clad in a vibrant pink and green sundress and hopping excitedly on her bare feet, she immediately focused on Lucy’s wheelchair, questioning, “Why does she have that?”
I explained, “It helps her move around quickly,” and we continued to engage in our own activities. However, every time we climbed the play structure or went down slides, the golden-haired girl reappeared, firing off relentless questions. “Why do you help her walk?” she asked. “Why can’t she do it herself?”
I tried to provide kid-friendly explanations, avoiding terms like disease or weakness, as I wanted Lucy to enjoy the afternoon without feeling different. I wore my best patient mom smile, hoping to create a normal experience for all of us.
As I glanced around for the girl’s mother, I spotted a babysitter distracted by her phone, seemingly unfazed by the golden-haired girl’s incessant curiosity. I chuckled to myself; maybe she needed a break from the child’s questioning.
While Lucy and I attempted to climb to the small tower again, the golden-haired girl stood beside me, still probing with her questions. Frustrated, I turned to her and said, “Go. Play.” My tone was firm, and to my relief, she finally left.
Later at dinner, Lucy remarked, “That little girl…,” but Mia quickly interjected, “She was following you!” Lucy laughed, saying, “She was annoying me.” I could see the exaggerated frustration on Lucy’s face as she rolled her eyes.
Reflecting on the day, I couldn’t help but notice how the golden-haired girl had dashed across the park, her strong legs propelling her towards the highest tower—something Lucy couldn’t reach due to the monkey bars. I pictured the girl’s golden curls bouncing as she effortlessly climbed, finally standing atop the tower like a princess, looking down at us.
With a twinge of empathy, I said to Lucy, “I felt the same way; she was annoying me too.”
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In summary, parenting often presents unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to explaining differences to curious children. While golden-haired girls may seem carefree and full of energy, it’s essential to create an inclusive environment for all children to thrive and enjoy their time together.
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