Acceptance starts with a smile

Today we are welcoming GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse mom, Beth, to our blog today to share some simple yet powerful encouragement.

Dear My fellow Moms and Dads,

I believe that we all want the same thing when it comes to our precious children. Whether we breastfeed or bottle-feed, home school, put them on that scary yellow bus, or wave goodbye from the carpool lane. Whether we work or we don’t, give time outs or not, buy from the organic section or keep them on a steady cycle of almost-real chicken nuggets. Whether we go gluten-free and media free or hand them a TV dinner in front of their coveted IPad. Whether we hover or let them maneuver down the tallest and twistiest of slides. Whether we’re, fresh off of a Pinterest board, completely winging it, rich or poor, typical or not; we all want what’s best for our babies. This is the truest thing I’ve ever known. From my city school teaching experiences to the journey as a special needs mom; the love a parent has for their child is palpable. It is unwavering and it is fierce, no matter what tools we have to work with. We all want our kids to be loved and have friends. We want them to remain the kind, confident, little magic makers that made them believe they would conquer the world as toddlers. And so we all are just doing our best out there, paving the road for the wee ones who own our heart. That’s why we try so hard to preserve them as the ones they are; without fear, hurt or sadness…..

But Mamas and Papas, Occasionally we overcompensate in a desire to protect. I know I do. Without thinking, I sometimes gasp at a mini boo-boo, scaring my child into believing a red-stained, skinned knee is a tragedy.

I use this example because it reminds me of when your child stares at mine. I am aware of it every. Single. Time. You see, like you, I am on high alert. I too worry my child will encounter sadness, hurt or fear. And knowing what I know, about the sometimes unforgiving world out there, I also am on the defense.

But my defense is not what you may think… I am armed with a kind smile, a wealth of information (if you want it) and a warm welcome into part of my world.

So please, don’t have your child turn away from mine in an effort to be polite. I get your goodwill, I so get it. I once did not have a child with a disability and I still remember averting my eyes.

But, sweet parents, your efforts are backfiring. They make your child fear mine; the way a gasp makes my kid fear a scrape. There’s too much protection and not enough inquiry. Don’t worry, we don’t mind the questions. There is nothing more innocent and pure than a question from a child. You know that….and so do we. We aren’t sad and we aren’t attempting to hide our beloved. Actually, we are trying to show him to the world.

So, here’s where you can help. You can have your child say hello to mine, maybe even have them high-five. And you can always give us parents a knowing wink or smile. One that says: we get it, we see you, fellow parent. We are out here loving our children just like you.

In Solidarity, Beth

Thank you, Beth! Families we want to hear from you! How do you help your children and your community handle acceptance?

For more tips on inclusion & acceptance please visit THIS post.