During the first week of school I asked Ethan about some of the friends he had made. He listed a few: Kade, David, Patrick and Jack. He said in passing, "Jack has a broken arm." I thought, "Wonder how he broke it? Probably falling off of a bunk bed." (We just bought a bunk bed when we moved into this house, and I can totally see one of my kids breaking his arm by falling off of it.)
He has since talked about his friends, Jack included, and how they all like to squish next to each other on the bus drive home, how they play games on the playground at lunchtime, and which one of them had to sit in the "thinking chair" that day for misbehaving.
Fast forward four weeks: I had to drive Ethan to school because we didn't wake up early enough to catch the bus on time. When we pulled up to the school, the vehicle doors in front of us opened up and two children climbed out. Ethan said, "Oh! There's Jack!" I turned to see his friend Jack, and realized that Jack doesn't have a left hand. Oh. That's what Ethan meant by a "broken arm."
Ethan jumped out of the car and ran to meet Jack so they could walk into class together. I felt very happy that my son didn't let a disability discourage him from being a friend with someone. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to talk to kids about differences, and how we are all special no matter what?
P.S. Remember when I called the bus depot to voice my unhappiness with our current bus stop? The head honcho over there called me back on Friday and told me that they are creating a new bus stop starting today, just a few houses away from us! Hooray! I stood up for myself and my son, I wasn't snippy or mean, but I just explained the situation and told them how I felt about it (that if no changes were made I would start driving my son to school every day), and they made a change. If you know me, standing up for myself is hard, so I'm proud! (In a humble-type way, of course.)
Monday, October 6
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It sounds like what you've already said works wonderfully. We're all different and we're all special. I, too, think it's great that Ethan doesn't care that Jack has a "broken arm." I think it gets harder though as they get a little older.
It's hard for me ot stand up for myself, too. Good job!
I also think that kids don't notice differences as much (or let it bother them) until they get older. When do you think that happens and why? I don't understand why we get uncomfortable with differences. I have found that the best teacher is having a friend who is different. Or when you see someone that is different that your kid points out. I always say "they are different. But do you think that they are just as important to Heavenly Father as you are to him? I think so too. So we can still like people, even if they are different than us, because if everyone was like us, the world would be boring!" My kids love this explanation, and it reminds them every time that each of us is special.
I honestly don't know why you'd talk about it with him at this point. Obviously he doesn't see any reason to treat his friend differently and if you make a point of talking about it, he might start to get weird and uncomfortable. I would wait for him to bring it up. It sounds like they've got a great friendship, just let it be! And way to go on the bus stop thing! We've been trying to get our bus stop changed too, but so far, no dice.
Young kids dont seem t see difference at all. However when they get older they sure do. They give any kid with any kind of difference hard time. I hope your boy keeps being sweet. :)
If you do talk to Ethan about differences, you could talk to him about that conference talk from Saturday. I think it was Elder Christofferson who talked about the little girl who had poor hearing and she saw the little boy with no legs at the store.
That is so sweet, a broken arm. yeah I don't know if I'd bring it up now either like Lisa said!
kids are awesome
Your son is so sweet.
And that's great news about the bus stop!
What a great kid you've got. It seems like you've already taught him well.
I'm glad that you stood up for your family and that you got a new bus stop. Good for you. Good for Ethan for being a good friend.
Your son is SO,so sweet! One of my children is hearing impaired and the friends we appreciate so much are the ones who don't try to act like there is not a challenge, but who love her for who she is, for her humor and loyalty and sweetness--hurray, hurray for Jack!
My oldest daughter is a francophile as well and is fluent. I catch about 25% of what she has to say--but she is speaking primarily French to our 7 of 8, and 7 is starting to pick it up! It's so fun. 1 of 8 is also a huge Carla Bruni fan!
Love that you were able to get the bus situation changed by standing up for your kiddo---yea Mom!
Love your title, enjoying perusing your place very much!
Blessings!
I am also so proud of you for sticking up for your son. You are one of his only advocates. Awesome.
Good job Ethan, What a good boy to not care about the differences. Give him extra hugs
thanks for stopping by my blog!
i'm adding you to my reader =)
sounds like you are raising some pretty terrific kids!
Thanks for adding yourself as a follower on my blog! I have noticed your comments on all of my other bloggy friends so I am way excied! I love new blog freinds so that would mean you are my newest!! I will be adding you to my blog list and I will be checking out your blog often--by often I mean 3-4 times a day!!
I LOVE that you stood up for yourself in a good way!! GO girl!
I also love that your son made friends with a boy with a disability! What a GREAT kid!!
YES! Go new bus stop! That's so cool!
I was really glad when Natalie had to wear an eye patch in kindergarten and she never got made fun of. Kids are so accepting at that age, and it's so sad when it starts to go away.
Good job on getting a new bus stop!
What a great kid you have to be a friend to jack. That is awesome. He will be looked up to!
liz
Whoo for you! On both having amazing kids and standing up for yourself.
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