I spotted her grandparents settled in their car before I made her acquaintance. They were engrossed in their books while a couple of their grandkids frolicked down the path towards the playground.
As we strolled along, we were met by an enthusiastic 8-year-old girl who jumped off her swing and exclaimed, “That baby is really red!” Her observation caught me off guard, especially since my daughter, Lily, is just 4 years old but petite for her age. Without missing a beat, Lily retorted, “I’m not a baby!”
Honestly, I wasn’t looking to engage in a teaching moment at the park. I simply wanted to enjoy some quality time pushing my kids on the swings. Nevertheless, I quickly explained that Lily has a skin condition and that’s just how she was born. I introduced my children and pointed out the little boy’s St. Louis Cardinals shirt, saying, “Oh, do you like the Cardinals? Lily and Max are big fans too!” The kids exchanged smiles, momentarily forgetting Lily’s skin.
Before long, the girl returned, full of curiosity. “Why does it peel like that?” “Why is she so small? She looks younger than 4!” “Why doesn’t she have much hair?” I answered her questions patiently, weaving in other topics about school and favorite Girl Scout cookies. Soon, the chatter shifted to the usual playground banter as more kids arrived.
Later, when another child approached, that same girl eagerly announced, “That’s how she was born! Isn’t she cute? She looks like a baby, but she’s not!” While I might not have chosen a day filled with questions, I was grateful that no one interrupted that little girl’s inquisitiveness. She not only got her questions answered positively, but she also enjoyed the ensuing conversation and fun. She learned that Lily loves Peanut Butter Patties and shares a favorite character, Minnie Mouse, just like her.
Most importantly, Lily had the chance to confidently proclaim, “I’m not a baby,” and “That’s how I was born.” Instead of feeling sidelined, she engaged in conversation, which is often lacking in similar situations.
This was the first time we had navigated such curious questions without adult interference, and I left the park feeling a mix of relief and gratitude that it had been a positive experience for everyone involved. I believe that when we allow our children to learn about one another with kindness and respect, we foster acceptance and appreciation for our unique differences. Remember, different doesn’t equate to strange. In fact, it’s perfectly normal. Our amazing creator has fashioned each of us as beautiful masterpieces.
A few weeks later, we returned to that same park, and to my delight, I spotted the grandparents’ vehicle again. The same little girl bounded up to us, her face lit with joy. “You came back!!” she exclaimed, and this time, there were no questions about skin differences—only cheerful chatter about what 8-year-olds love to discuss. She had learned, she had accepted, and our differences no longer mattered. We were simply friends.
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Summary
This article highlights the importance of allowing children to explore and understand differences in others through curiosity and conversation. It recounts an encounter at a park where a young girl asked questions about another child’s skin condition, leading to a positive exchange that fostered friendship. By encouraging open dialogue, we can promote acceptance and appreciation for diversity among children.