How To Talk To Your Kids About Disabilities
Today I want to introduce you to someone very special: Sara England!
Sara is a mama of three, a wife, retired nurse, fitness influencer, and a relentless entrepreneur. She is passionate about encouraging other women to pursue their passions, take care of themselves, and dream BIG! Basically, she is a really great person.
But why am I introducing you to Sara today? Read on!
We’re celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness!
Every March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day and every October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month — a time to celebrate the immense joy so many beautiful humans with Down syndrome bring into our world! 💙💛 It’s also a time to recognize the amazing abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome, like Sam!
Meet Sam
Sara is a special needs mama to a sweet and super adorable boy named Sam! Sam is almost 5 years old, has Down syndrome, and is just as cute as can be!
Just look at these pics and prepare for your heart to melt! 🥰🥰🥰
Sara recently shared a post on Instagram highlighting how to talk to your kids about disabilities and she said I could share it here on Haylie’s Dailies.
This can be a tough topic for parents to talk to their kids about. So if you’re feeling a little unsure, Sara’s tips will really help facility this important conversation!
“I feel like there are so many things you can say and that often they are overlooked because it’s uncomfortable or maybe you don’t know what to say. No judgement here - I used to be that person too. But since Sam, we have learned A LOT. So I thought I would share 5 ways to get the conversation going in your home.”
- SARA ENGLAND
📷 | Target, Adaptive Halloween Costumes
Psst >> If you like this post, be sure to check out 🎃 5 Ways To Make Halloween Inclusive For Trick-Or-Treaters Of All Abilities.
And don’t forget to subscribe to get helpful and fun blog posts like this delivered directly to your inbox! 💌
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are…
5 Tips From Sara England: How To Talk To Your Kids About Disabilities
1. Encourage your kids to talk to a child with a disability as they would any other kid
Instead of staring and avoiding, encourage them to ask normal questions.
“What’s your name?”
“How old are you?”
“What’s your favorite color?”
“What’s your favorite animal?”
Remember, kids will take your lead, so you might have to encourage them that it’s okay to ask questions. Questions are okay!
2. Point out similarities
Talking about similarities will show your child that having a disability does not define a person, much like your child’s physical characteristics don’t define him/her.
“Oh wow Noah, he has dinosaur shoes like you! How cool!”
3. It’s also okay to notice differences
“I see you looking at that little girl in the wheelchair, and you might be wondering why she needs it. Some people’s muscles work a little differently, and her wheelchair helps her move around, just like your legs help you!”
4. Use respectful terminology
Kids are sponges. If you use the words “retarded” or “cripple” - so will they. Don’t use a disability as a way to describe an individual.
Instead of this: “Downs baby” >> say this: “a child with Down syndrome”
5. Teach them empathy
Teach your children to look for strengths instead of just focusing on weaknesses. It’s important for kids to learn that just because someone can’t do something or struggles in one area, it doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t excel in other areas.
Ask your child how he/she would feel in somebody else’s shoes, and how they would want to be treated. Then, teach them to treat others the same way.
“I think the best way to have kids understand and show empathy is to expose them to kids with disabilities. Books are a great place to start! Showing them that different doesn’t mean less, it’s just different.”
- SARA ENGLAND
📷 | Sofia Sanchez from @thesanchezsix
INCLUSIVE BOOK RECOMMENDATION >> Sofia Sanchez, a 13-year-old model, actress, and Down syndrome self-advocate, wrote an empowering book called You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion. This beautiful and inclusive picture book is all about celebrating being yourself! You can purchase it here.
A big THANK YOU to Sara for these insightful tips! Please share this post with anyone you think may benefit from it.
And if you’re interested in learning more about Sara, her accountability community, and following along with sweet Sam and his journey, follow her on Instagram at @saraengland1.
THANK YOU for taking the time to read this and for being an advocate for inclusion! 💛💙
Psst… If you liked this post, check out:
🎃 5 Ways To Make Halloween Inclusive For Trick-Or-Treaters Of All Abilities