October 4, 2023
Teach Your Kids About Kindness and Inclusion
My son has been in school for a little over a month now. He is a 7th grader at our local middle school. Except it looks a little different than most.
He doesn’t switch classes. Or have a locker combination. And we’ve never had to worry about the cell phone policy. I have no idea what the cool kids are wearing or even what middle schoolers are into. And I don’t know anything about the extracurricular activities and often I tear up when I read the newsletter. It’s hard to read. As if it’s in a foreign language.
My son has autism, and he is in special education.
For him that means he learns differently. At his own pace and in his own time. But it also means that he likes kids and going to school. He’s ready 15 minutes every morning before the bus comes and he high fives me as I steal a kiss as he runs out the door.
He adores the bus too. He does not like art. But he loves to swim. He has two friends, maybe more.
See, he isn’t able to tell me. But often, we will be in the community and a child will come running up to him to say hi. They know him. And I will swear I hit the lottery when I see the joy on his face.
But sometimes it feels like we are trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole. Or like we were invited to the dance but not able to participate.
It’s a weird place to live in. I don’t quite know where we fit in all the time.
I am sharing all this because I got a beautiful note home from his para a while back. It said:
‘Cooper’s been very cheerful and enjoying saying hello to friends that he already knows and waving hello to new friends in the hallway and lunchroom. At lunch he chose to sit at a table with other kids that he didn’t previously know and shows them stuff on his talking device like recordings of shows on his camera roll. I encouraged him to use his device to tell the kids his name and he told them some of his favorite things about Christmas. He really enjoyed the interactions.’
When I read it, I smiled. And then I cried. Much like I am doing now as I write this. And then I prayed. I prayed with everything inside of me that these kids were nice to him. That they didn’t tease or mock.
See, I’m terrified.
Every day I send him into a world that he doesn’t understand. And I hold my breath until he returns to me.
So, I ask you…
Moms and Dads, please teach your kids about kids like my son.
Tell them about the little people who are squares navigating a very round world.
The kids who communicate differently. Or look different. Or act differently too.
Teach your kids about kindness and inclusion. And love.
Give them a safe space to ask questions. And to learn about differences. Because that’s how it starts. A safe space.
Knowing these differently abled people…it’s the best. I promise.
My greatest wish…an invite. To a birthday party or a play date. Maybe someday. But remember, it starts with you.
Signed,
A mom who loves her boy so much.
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook.
