A Letter That Will Make You Feel Uncomfortable at Best

[fan4ever]

Originally Posted by kepp

So...serious question. My daughter is 6 years old and (like a lot of youngsters) says/asks whatever is on her mind most of the time. Sometimes when we cross paths with a family with a special needs child she'll ask something along the lines of, "Daddy, what's wrong with him." I'm usually not sure what to say, but will say something like, "Nothing is wrong with him. He's just a little bit different from you." Given your experiences, what do you think would be a good response?

Actually my wife is a teacher (2nd grade) and we take Lucas to the school carnivals. She explains to those who ask exactly what is "wrong" with Lucas in terms their little minds can absorb. IMO if you are familiar with what they're dealing with, explain it best you can and maybe add "...and his/her family love him/her just as much as I love you".

[Mosbonian]

Originally Posted by fan4ever

Actually my wife is a teacher (2nd grade) and we take Lucas to the school carnivals. She explains to those who ask exactly what is "wrong" with Lucas in terms their little minds can absorb. IMO if you are familiar with what they're dealing with, explain it best you can and maybe add "...and his/her family love him/her just as much as I love you".

What he said.....trying to over-explain to a child will only confuse them more. Make the explanation simple at a level they understand and you wil find kids have absolutely no pre-conceived notions that will prevent them from accepting Special Needs peers.

It's when adults get involved that it goes to crap.