Here's a somewhat comical story related to how I explain my cp to kids...Keep in mind I have taught ages 5-13... I usually tell kids that the part of my brain that controls my muscles in my legs was damaged when I was born and that makes my legs less flexible than the average person. Then I give them something they can relate to...I always told them that, for example, I couldn't touch my toes without bending my knees (as I proceed to illustrate). They end up bending and touching their toes, feel the stretch and then there is this "Ahhhh, I get it!" exchange. Funny thing is, that since I had the hamstring lengthening surgery this summer, I CAN touch my toes without bending my knees, so my story has had to change a bit. I shared this fact with one of my former students before school started and she said, "Don't worry, Miss Wagner, if anyone doesn't believe that you used to not be able to do that, I'll tell them you're not lying!" We both giggled at that! Something else, I've done a health fair day with the entire grade level and had speakers come in to talk about nutrition, body systems etc., and I always do my own session on CP and make kids walk with a wooden block between their knees to see what it feels like and how much more tiring it is. It sure generates great discussion! Linda