How to Explain Disability to Children
All parents encounter instances where they must explain difficult topics to their children. Disability can be a tricky issue to address, but if done correctly, it need not be stressful for either the parents or the child. Many children first encounter disabled individuals when they start attending school and come into contact with special education students. Others may start to interact with disabled individuals even earlier. Since disabled individuals are different from other people your child has met, your child will probably have a lot of questions about what a disability is and why it exists. The most important thing is to answer with honesty and compassion.
Instructions
Let your child ask as many questions as they like about disability. They may simply be curious, but they could also be confused and afraid. Remember that your child has significantly fewer life experiences than you. Answer their questions as completely and honestly as possible to eliminate the fear of the unknown. Explain disability at an age-appropriate level, always emphasizing that a disability is not anyone's fault. You might tell a young child that sometimes babies are born without everything they need for their bodies to work like everyone else's. With older children, you might try to explain a bit more about the biology of a disability. Emphasize that disabled individuals can do many of the same things that your child does and that they have strengths and weaknesses just like everyone else. While it is important to show compassion and tell your child that you understand how hurtful a disability can be, always maintain a positive attitude about disability. Allow your child to satisfy his curiosity. Let him sit in a wheelchair, spend some time walking around with a blindfold or try a bit of sign language. It is normal for them to wonder what it would be like to be disabled. Talk with your child about how he should treat disabled people. Help him understand that he should treat disabled people the same as everyone else, showing them respect and kindness. Also let him know that sometimes disabled individuals require a little extra help and that it is totally acceptable for them to offer assistance when it is clear that someone needs it.
