As I was taking Abe in to school to get his Kindergarten pic taken, I had the harsh reality of seeing how other children look at my son and my heart shattered into a million pieces.
I've seen those looks before. The side eye. The mouth gape. The leaning away from him as if they could "catch" what he has just by sitting or standing next to them. I hate it. I can't help but to think things like: what do your parents teach you about children like Abe? do they tell you things that make you scared? do they tell you things that maybe they themselves as adults don't understand but they are too afraid to ask? do they say mean things about him? Then I Wonder: Does Abram understand that they are being cruel? Does it hurt his feelings? Is this why he cries and is sad when he comes home? I don't know because he can't tell me. I've seen him try to engage other children and I've watched kids just get up and walk away from him as if he's invisible. It is gut wrenching. I want to just say this: Please teach your children to be empathetic to ALL people. Show them how to be kind, how to make new friends with people who may not communicate or look the same as they do. Teach them to say "hello" instead of telling them to look away. Show them how to be good humans. If they treat another person unkindly, correct them and show them how to apologize and start over. Children learn from example. Do your best to be the smiling face in a room full of scowls and show your kids how to be kind, empathetic little humans. |
About MeHello! My name is Erin. I am Abram's mom, a tireless advocate for UBE2A Deficiency Syndrome and a fierce proponent for medical cannabis. MOST POPULAR BlOG ENTRYJOIN US
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