To say that growing up I was nice to every kid that I came into contact with would be a flat-out lie. I think that me and some of my classmates could have put a couple of kids in therapy later in life. I was not a bully. I have never been in a fight in my life. My quick tongue kept me out of those. I did pick on kids that were different from me. I’m not proud of it, but it happened.
My 5th grade teacher taught me a lesson one day. We made fun of some girl in our class, don’t ask me why maybe she said something silly or whatever. Our teacher said, “You guys are making fun of her?” He then proceeded to pick something off each one of us. Me? He said,”Souza, you got a big booger hanging out of your nose, maybe we should call you Booger-Nose.” Now, by today’s standard, I could have him brought up on charges, but then, it did what it was meant to do; Put me in my place.
I have a simple request for all parents: Teach your kids not to suck. (Underlying message: Teach them some acceptance.) When you see a child with Downs Syndrome, tell your child not to stare. When you see someone in a wheelchair, explain to your child that they use a chair because they can’t walk. Explain to them that just because they look different from you, that they have the same feelings as you. Don’t use the term “retard”, it degrading. Special Olympics has started a campaign to end the use of the “R-Word.”
When my son sits down next to your kids and they scoot away and say “eeewwww.” It hurts. I’m not naive enough to think that kids will stop being kids, but if you can teach your kids that we are all God’s creatures, we will go a lot further on this planet.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Keef -
It’s a battle I’ve been fighting for 11 years now. My youngest was born with CP. She walks with a limp, has drooling issues, does not speak clearly, and wasn’t potty trained until last summer.
What I’ve found fortunate is that it hurts you and me way more than it hurts our kids. It’s a heartbreaker until they smile back at you.
Wish I had a panacea, but there ain’t one out there.
Sickles,
My handicapped sister-in-law has the same issue. She’s 45 now and has lived with it all her life. While I’m ready to punch someone on her behalf, she lets it roll and has such a better attitude about things than I do. She’s a good source to get yourself centered sometimes.