Sophie is learning very quickly that people come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. I'm trying to teach her as best I can, but it's a bit challenging to find all the right words to describe people and their differences. Tonight, while we were at the store Sophie sees another child with, how shall I say this, a higher than average BMI (body mass index, for you non-obsessed folks). I don't even know what is or isn't PC anymore. Anyway, Sophie blurts out, "Hey Mommy, who's that kid? The BIG one?" Thank goodness the poor kid didn't hear, but I was in no place to sit her down and give her a lesson on what is and isn't appropriate to say about others. Instead, I hurried her along into the next aisle and told her to, "Sshhhh!" with every intention of addressing it when we got to the car. And then as we are leaving the store, she turns around and sees this guy who, in all honesty, even frightened me at first, and she immediately runs for cover, practically hiding under the shopping cart. Now this particular situation is where I had difficulty explaining...."Um, well Sophie, some people have only one working eye. He might have hurt his eye...or something."
I know she's only two and can't quite grasp all the reasons why people are different, but I figure the sooner I start talking about this stuff, maybe it will save me some embarrassment later??? Oh, I mean, it will help her learn how important it is to accept and embrace the differences in others. Yeah...that's it.
2 comments:
It is all about saving face...give us followers tips after YOU have learned the hard way! I think that what you did was perfect, I have no doubt your little Sophie will be one little empathetic little lady. I think the mantra "do unto others as you would have done unto you" always works!
I sometimes feel that I can't find a hiding place quick enough. Boy, kids really know how to tell it like it is.
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