That's not nice . . .

[19Dawn76]

I have discovered that some ADULTS do not realize that it is impolite and hurtful to point to a child that is handicapped in some way and say "OH! Look at that poor little boy!" (My son wears glasses and ankle braces)

I swear the next time that happens I am going to reply "Oh! look at that rude, loud, middle-aged butthead!"

Some people just need to THINK before they open their mouths. Can you imagine how that makes a kid feel?

 

[Imp]

You're right That's not nice.

Imp

 

[debilorrah]

Yes I KNOW how it makes a kid feel. I used to work with handicapped kids and the stares and comments they THINK the kids don't hear hurt them alot!!!! I would prefer they find something cute about the child and comment on that. Fake it if necessary. These kids MINDS are not disabled, it's their bodies.

I wanna know why he is a "poor boy" because he is correcting his vision and correcting a problem with his legs. Poor boy should be saved for the druggies with no teeth that smile big at you anyways.

 

[Southernbelle]

What awful people!

to your son

When kids stare and point, how do you like the other parent to handle that? I've drilled into my kids that staring, pointing or whispering is extremely rude and not tolerated. I tell mine that they should go up and introduce themselves, the other kid would probably rather you said hi to them than stare from across the room. Is that the right way to handle it?

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
YES YES YES!!!! The kid knows that he/she has a disability. It isn't a secret. They would welcome ANYONE that would take the time to want to know them as a person instead of an oddity.

My best friend in elementary school (1960's) had a hearing aid. Back then, they were big boxes on your chest with wires everywhere. I loved that girl - her name was Alice and she was so much fun!!! I was the fat kid, so when I approached her, she knew we needed each other. I will never forget that child.

 

[Equus5O]

When my son was younger, he had a large hemangioma on his eyebrow. It was red and protruding. I can't tell you how many times, when out at the supermarket, people would stare at him. So many said "Oh, poor baby! What happened to him? Did mommy hit you? What a boo-boo!" Then there were the people who just stared, seemingly in horror. I can recall one woman, with two humongous children in tow who were stuffing garbage into their faces ... she stared at my son, as if in shock, and I swear she recoiled at the sight of him. I

 

[19Dawn76]

I really don't know how best to handle children pointing and commenting. I think what you are doing is great. They're kids and kids are rude by nature until we teach them better. My son stares at people and it drives me nuts.

I have had people ask me why he wears glasses and it does not bother me at all to answer. My mother thinks it is a gross invasion of privacy to ask someone a medical question but like I said I really do not care.

I guess it's the pity they express that bothers me the most. I have a beautiful, gentle, sweet tempered child. I really don't need your pity. Plus that's not my kid running around the store screaming cause he can't have a toy and making people wish it were legal to use duck tape on kids.

 

[JewellFarm]

You are much nicer than I would be!

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Duct tape on kids isn't legal????? Oh dear

 

[saddina]

This may be slightly mean but...

I laugh at the adults and reply "It's his eyes that need glasses, he can hear just fine". Shake your head and give them a small smirk, they'll learn a lesson, and your child will learn that it's valuable to think before speaking.