Kris,

It seems to me that you are not giving the kids a chance.   I know  
that the non-disabled kids/family may not want to play for an hour at  
the game of push your daughter around or climb on her chair or  
whatever.  BUT, given some guidance from adults both the able-bodied  
kid and your daughter should be able to play together for short  
periods.  If you cook with her or color with her, why not invite one  
of her cousins to make cookies together and you be there to help  
too.  That way the other kids can see HOW to interact with your  
daughter and how much fun it can be.  Kids can be cruel, but they are  
also curious and compassionate.  You, as the adult, can foster the  
compassionate side by coaching the kids on how to interact with your  
daughter.  Don't expect them to know how on their own.  They may be  
avoiding her because they just don't know what to say or do.

Just my two cents.  My son, who is 3 has a child in his daycare class  
with special needs and I find we talk alot about how he can be his  
friend.  And DOnny will come home often and tell me how Drew was  
upset or needed help or whatever and how he helped him.  So, I know  
between having a mom with CP and his experience with Drew, he will be  
compassionate and caring, but I am helping him see the strengths  
about others and not the weaknesses.  So if YOU focus on what your  
daughter can do with other kids, other kids can learn to play with  
her and she with them.


Linda Macaulay





On Aug 29, 2009, at 9:40 AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:

> Great ideas but Ihave found that kids think it is novel and fun  
> only for a
> few minuets then they want to go on to other things.  We, adults,  
> cook with
>  her, let her use the food processor, color with her, play games  
> with her,
> go on  walks, go to the mall, play ball, ride the trike and all the  
> other
> stuff....we  go on trips, go in pools and lot os other stuff.
> BUT I want her to have friends her own age or close.  We can't  
> even  make
> her cousins play with her long they loose intrest.
>
> People find disabliled kids 'cute' (Please do not flame me for  
> this..I have
>  found this to be true) but as you move into adulthood people try  
> to not
> see you  and not speak much.  My mother had a stroke and was in a  
> chair for 15
> years  before she died and now my child has Cp... these are just  
> things I
> have seen in  the world.
>
> Please do not flame me people out there that have wonderful lives.   
> I  am
> trying to help my child and am just stating what I see in the world.
>
> Kris
>
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