My wish for this school year
When a special needs parent thinks of the beginning of the school year, those thoughts can be filled with great anxiety, even more so then typically developing kid parents. Will my child make friends, will my child have anyone to sit with at lunch, will they get made fun of or get laughed at for something they say or do? These things can be normal worries, but for those of us with “special” kids, or kids that struggle with these things, it can be a very nerve wracking time of year. To hear that your child has had a good day or week, to hear that someone was kind, or didn’t laugh when they did something that was embarrassing, this has become my simple wish this year, not just for my kids but all kids.
Don’t just preach the golden rule, live it
Don’t expect your kids to be kind when you are a keyboard warrior talking about other people or making fun of people on social media.
Don’t talk about inclusion, but not teach your children how important it is to those that are NOT included.
Don’t think that just because others walk different, look different or aren’t on your level that they are not worthy of you, your kindness or friendship. (most special kids have gifts that can change your life if you welcome it)
A smile goes a long way to someone who doesn’t have many friends, so does a kind word.
It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.
If you are the planner for activities or spirit weeks at school, try not to pick things that can leave kids out who don’t have friends.
How about using the “buddies” at school a bit further, and have some sign up for lunch duty (for those that are alone) or other places where kids get left out.
My wish is to not hear about my kid or my friends kid sitting alone at lunch… how does that even happen?
I have so many wishes and hopes for this year (as I have every year) and I hope so many of them come to fruition. Funny thing is, they aren’t big, and they don’t take much, but I wonder how many of them will happen.
Please, if you are one of those keyboard warriors making fun of others, please stop.
Live in such a way that all the things you preach are not just words, follow them up with action, and teach your children to do the same.
There can be life benefits for those who choose to see beyond the disability of a child. Benefits that can help you or your child be more understanding of others, learn the power of compassion, and what truly matters. There is value in understanding others, no matter their differences.
I can’t express enough how hard it is to have special needs children. If you have never experienced the anguish of these simple wishes, count yourself lucky. One day it could be you, or someone you love, and then maybe you would understand how something so simple could change the life of a special needs child.
Fear Not 