PLEASE STOP TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN NOT TO STARE
A friend of mine recently went on a trip to California. As she was going down the boardwalk she would pass others who were running, skating, biking, etc. She felt a sting in her heart and oh how she wished she was them, running and moving her WHOLE body.
This friend of mine fell 80-100 feet during a moonlight rappel, 7 years ago. She is a complete miracle and such a light in this world. I have the privilege of being her friend in real life! Not just on Instagram. ;)
As she was going down the boardwalk, pushing her baby in the stroller, she received a lot of stares and a few encouraging words as well. She realized that if she were full able-bodied and running just like everyone else, no one would think twice. She'd just be another blonde running along the path, just like everyone else.
Whenever she's out and about she'll hear people comment, "it's not polite to stare". And she thinks differently!...
Her post inspired me to talk about children and staring...
Please stop teaching your children not to stare! What are we teaching them when we say that? Don’t look at someone who is different then you. Don’t be curious or want to learn about something you’ve never seen before. Stay away from things that are different.
Instead, let them stare. Let them ask questions, talk about it. What is it that they see? What is it that they’re curious about? What is different? What is the same? If it’s someone using a wheelchair, say hi. If it’s someone that looks or acts different, say hi. If it’s someone short of stature, say hi. Teach your child about differences. It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to notice it & to talk about it. It’s not okay to ignore, look away, or act like a person who is different isn’t there. It’s even better to make a new friend. Let’s embrace different. Let’s talk about differences & be the change we want to see in this world.
Thanks for reading!
xoxo
- Jenna
Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook
@jennagines