In the world of parenting, one universal truth stands out: no parent wants to learn that their child has been unkind. We all strive to instill values of compassion and empathy within our kids, guiding them to grow into individuals who contribute positively to the world. Recently, a heartfelt post by a mother named Emily Turner resonated with many, as she shared her thoughts on the vital importance of teaching children to be kind, following a challenging incident involving her son.
“Parents, I urge you to teach your kids not to be mean,” she passionately implored.
Emily introduced her son, Noah, a vibrant seven-year-old preparing to enter the second grade. Noah has a limb difference, which means he was born without part of his limb. “We affectionately call it his ‘little hand’,” she explained, emphasizing that this isn’t something that defines him.
After adopting Noah as a toddler, Emily initially viewed the limb difference as a minor issue. Noah is just like any other energetic child—he participates in sports, practices martial arts, climbs everything in sight, and even helps around the house. “Noah is capable of doing just about anything any other seven-year-old can,” she shared with pride. “I never set different standards for him based on his physical condition; I strive to teach my kids about the beauty of diversity and the importance of treating others with kindness.”
However, during a recent school event, Emily noticed Noah’s anxiety about returning to school. “What if the new kids stare or ask questions about my little hand?” he voiced, seeking reassurance. Emily explained that curiosity was normal, given that his hand looks different from what most people are used to seeing. “When I asked if it was okay if the kids asked questions, he replied, ‘Yes, but I get tired of saying, “this is how I was born.” Is it okay for me to feel that way?’”
Emily validated his feelings, explaining that curiosity often stems from a place of innocence. That’s when Noah expressed his biggest fear: “Please don’t let them be mean to me, Mommy.” This emotional plea struck a chord with Emily, who reflected on how deeply this impacted her.
In her post, Emily shared her perspective: “It’s essential to ask questions and be curious about those who may look different from you. However, before doing so, remember there is a living, feeling person on the other end.” Furthermore, she encouraged parents of children with differences to stay attuned to their feelings and experiences. “If your child feels ostracized or bullied, their feelings matter. Please, don’t let your kids be jerks. Open a dialogue about differences and inclusivity,” she urged.
This serves as a poignant reminder for all of us. When it comes to fostering kindness, it’s crucial to teach our children how to respond constructively to curiosity regarding others’ differences.
For those seeking to learn more about inclusivity and parenting, I recommend checking out this insightful blog post on artificial insemination kits, which can be found at Make a Mom. Additionally, for more information about pregnancy, you can explore resources at CDC.
In summary, it’s never too early to educate our children about respect, kindness, and inclusion, even in moments of curiosity.