for little children i say "when i was a baby, i got my head hurt" they are
not looking for a medicle disertation. and natrual curiosity is not
rudeness. the woman who wrote was the one being rude in my point of view.
sorry if that person is reading the post, but, that is my opinion.

-----Original Message-----
From: Betty Alfred [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, December 06, 1999 12:41 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Disabled comics


Linda,

I remember a comment I read a few months ago about answering children's
questions.  The woman who wrote it said that she used to be accommodating
but
later decided that she was just encouraging rude behavior.  Now when
children
ask what's wrong she replies, "I'm sorry, but I don't discuss my medical
condition."  I'm reaching into my memory, but I'm sure those were her exact
words.

I don't go into detail myself, but only because I can't figure out a simple
explanation for children.  If I could come up with a short, easy to
understand medical answer, I wouldn't mind sharing that.  I just say that
it's hard for me to walk so I use a wheelchair (or crutches -- whatever I'm
using at the moment).  I never thought I was encouraging poor social skills
by answering the question though.  Your classroom experience confirms that
for me.

Someone else may feel differently; I don't mean to judge.  I don't think
people should feel obligated to answer a lot of questions about their
disabilities.  With children though, it seems like an awareness opportunity.

Betty