Today a lengend passed away. Paul Harvey, radio broadcaster is no longer with us. Yet I always remember how passionate he would get on topics he considered close to the heart. People tell me I do the same. Which I think is a great quality.
Take for instance a story out of the BBC. They have a host for a kids program that has people in an uproar. I mean, wow, was this host being inappropriate? Was the host talking down to the kids? No. This host just happens to not have part of her arm.
In a world where 1 in 5 people has a disability. This isn’t a news flash, but some are making it out to be. At issue, to some, is that this forces them to talk to their children about disabilities and differences. So? Children soak up information very well, it’s us adults who reject things. Tell them the things they need to know to fully integrate into a world of differences.
I’ve taught and spoken to all age groups. The ones most inquisitive and the ones that get it the easiest are the ones under 8 years old. Yes, they ask lots of questions. This is good. Today too many are quick to want to home school or segregate (whoops can’t say that…put in special classes for their unique needs that won’t effect others) instead of putting everyone together. How do you learn about something if you are rarely able to be around it.
Are there things you should protect your children from, yes. But differences like disabilities, which are things you can’t change, are to be exposed and experienced. You probably already know someone, so why take offense from a host on tv? Everyone is valuable, everyone contributes to make this a better place. Share with kids so they know better how to manage in the world around them. Remember they are the ones who will care for you in your elder days. Should they uproar in your differences?
There is your thought for today and in the imortal words of Paul Harvey, “Good Day!”
