I wanted to share with you about this little book we love called, “Different is Awesome”, by Ryan Haack. Right now it’s the most requested book to read in our house! This book is specific to limb differences…which might be a great way to introduce your child to Gracie’s differences through this book. Another book we’ve recently bought and enjoy is, “Uniquely Me”, by Trace Wilson.
Books like these have sparked wonderful conversations with our kids about special needs, and differences in general. I would say we had just touched on the basics of teaching our kids about special needs…until Gracie. The Lord is teaching us so much through His gift of this little girl.
I have been reading a mother’s blog who has a daughter with a limb difference (and recently adopted a little boy too) and she wrote this wonderful post about teaching our children about differences. I came across it this summer before we even knew about Gracie. The mom has also shared a list of her book recommendations that help teach children about differences.
http://www.mooretolove.org/teaching-our-children-about-special-needs/
We would be so grateful for those of you in our village with children to continue to talk with them about how God makes each one of us different…different shapes, sizes, colors...and all are created in the image of our Heavenly Father. Honestly, this was so easy to do when they were younger. You tell them…and they accept it. As our children have gotten older, they have had more questions and thoughts of their own and that’s where we as their parents need to continue to have open conversations about differences. We must be intentional. I must be intentional. Every. Day. Intentional in my prayer life about the hearts of our kids. Intentional about reaching outside of our bubble to expand our hearts. I read something the other day I wish I had found sooner and thought I would share in case it can be helpful to anyone else.
“A friend asked recently if I would share the best ways to talk about differences so she could prepare her kids. One basic guideline is to think about the words we use. Judgments like "scary", "weird", and "freaky" can be replaced with true observations like "Oh, his ear is small." or "His arm is different." That opens conversation without making judgments or hurting feelings.”
I hope this helps as you and your children learn about Gracie and her differences. Differences aren’t so “freaky” or “weird” once we know a little bit about them, and more importantly, once we know about the person. Thank you for letting me share these resources as we navigate this together.
Books like these have sparked wonderful conversations with our kids about special needs, and differences in general. I would say we had just touched on the basics of teaching our kids about special needs…until Gracie. The Lord is teaching us so much through His gift of this little girl.
I have been reading a mother’s blog who has a daughter with a limb difference (and recently adopted a little boy too) and she wrote this wonderful post about teaching our children about differences. I came across it this summer before we even knew about Gracie. The mom has also shared a list of her book recommendations that help teach children about differences.
http://www.mooretolove.org/teaching-our-children-about-special-needs/
We would be so grateful for those of you in our village with children to continue to talk with them about how God makes each one of us different…different shapes, sizes, colors...and all are created in the image of our Heavenly Father. Honestly, this was so easy to do when they were younger. You tell them…and they accept it. As our children have gotten older, they have had more questions and thoughts of their own and that’s where we as their parents need to continue to have open conversations about differences. We must be intentional. I must be intentional. Every. Day. Intentional in my prayer life about the hearts of our kids. Intentional about reaching outside of our bubble to expand our hearts. I read something the other day I wish I had found sooner and thought I would share in case it can be helpful to anyone else.
“A friend asked recently if I would share the best ways to talk about differences so she could prepare her kids. One basic guideline is to think about the words we use. Judgments like "scary", "weird", and "freaky" can be replaced with true observations like "Oh, his ear is small." or "His arm is different." That opens conversation without making judgments or hurting feelings.”
I hope this helps as you and your children learn about Gracie and her differences. Differences aren’t so “freaky” or “weird” once we know a little bit about them, and more importantly, once we know about the person. Thank you for letting me share these resources as we navigate this together.