Hey there, Mom,
I owe you an apology. I was overly optimistic, thinking my child wouldn’t notice the differences. I imagined they would just play together without acknowledging the wheelchair, the hand-flapping, the vocalizations, or any other unique traits. But he saw it all.
My heart sank when he pointed in confusion at your child who was flapping her hands. My face grew hot when he ducked behind me, alarmed by your son in his wheelchair. It’s a complicated reality, one that even a toddler can articulate—“Mommy, I’m scared.”
This is where it begins for many of us—the foundation of misunderstanding. We fear what we don’t know. Why should I expect my little one to react any differently? He’s just a child.
So here’s my pledge: I promise to engage in conversations about these differences. When he points at your child in the supermarket, I won’t hush him with whispers of shame. Instead, I’ll discuss both the differences and the similarities.
- “He uses a wheelchair to move around, and you run on your legs. But look, he loves PAW Patrol just like you do!”
- “She flaps her hands when she feels excited, and you laugh and clap too. It seems like you both enjoy watching those monkeys!”
- “She has Down syndrome, yet you both have a passion for soccer.”
- “He’s bald, and you sport those curly locks, but both of you love wearing blue hats!”
Those brief moments of highlighting our children’s differences and similarities might feel a bit awkward. However, the potential to eliminate fear and encourage inclusive play is worth it. Parenting is challenging, no doubt about it. If it weren’t, we’d probably be doing it wrong.
And Mom, I want you to understand that this isn’t about me feeling virtuous at the end of the day. This is about ensuring my child experiences the richness of friendships with incredible individuals. Every day, I witness the kindness, bravery, and joy your children bring into the world. I don’t want my son to miss out on these invaluable experiences, and I don’t want anyone else to either.
Let’s connect. Let’s sip some coffee while we watch our children discover each other. Who knows? One day, when they’re all grown up, they might share a cup of coffee together too.
For those interested in further information, you can check out this insightful article on home insemination. If you’re considering at-home insemination options, Make a Mom offers reliable kits to help you on your journey. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, let’s work together to foster understanding and connection among our children. By embracing their differences and similarities, we can help pave the way for a more inclusive world.
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