Once when my son was in school, a group of bullies were making fun and teasing him about his disabled mom. He came into the house and pointed to this group. I was at the door and couldn't understand what was going on. Joyce ----- Original Message ----- From: R. Hintz <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Monday, December 06, 1999 3:31 AM Subject: Talking to kids about disabilities > I agree that in the case of kids, especially young ones, its important to > answer their question in the most kid-friendly way possible. To rebuff their > natural and innocent curiosity only creates the fear that people with > disabilities battle everyday. > > When my daughter started attending a preschool at an elementary school, she > started getting questions from other kids about my disability. So, for > preschool and Kindergarten I have done a 15 minute presentation to her class > about people with disabilities. It has been very enthusiastically received by > the school and the students. I will continue to do this as long as the > faculty accepts my offer. > > I think its important to give the message that disabilities are OK to talk > about and that people with disabilities are approachable and just like > everyone else. I also hope to avert any teasing my kids might receive because > of my disability. The best way I can think of is to keep the discussion open. > > This does not mean revealing intimate medical details. I've given simple > answers like "because my legs aren't as strong as other people's" or "because > that's how God made me." > > The rudest and most inappropriate questions I receive have always been from > adults. Renee >