I took my 6 y.o. son to his first "neuro-typical" birthday party. One of the kids in his class invited him, and so we went. To say I was "nervous" was an understatement - I was afraid of watching the children's reactions to him as I have never seen him interact in the "neuro-typical" classroom - only the "special needs room", so I didn't know what to expect.
The kids were WONDERFUL.....they were so supportive of Nick, cheering him on when it was his turn to bowl. All of them made a point to come up and slap his shoulder or touch his head w/a pat & say "Hi Nick", even though they knew he couldn't respond in kind. To say I was touched was an understatement (Alice Cooper eyes all the way home). They helped redirect when he'd get off focus, and seemed so genuinely concerned that he was "fitting in". I still get shivers & little tears when I think about it - hopefully our society is doing it right.
While I was growing up, special needs children were always those "weird kids" in that "special room" - and to say that I was afraid of them is true. You fear what you do not understand, and some can be quite hostile & aggressive based on their "fears". By incorporating those w/special needs in with the "neuro-typicals", our society is teaching both sides something - I wish I had understood myself. To understand the handicapped & "differences" within our society is a true gift that I feel to have been blessed to experience - I hope more can understand someday, then perhaps the future won't be so scary for "this mom"
My Son's 1st "Normal" B-Day Party!
by pettygrudger 5 Replies latest social family
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pettygrudger
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cruzanheart
I'm so glad he had a positive experience! I definitely see a trend toward making sure everyone in class is comfortable - there are several special needs kids in our son's 1st grade class, and the teachers make sure they have someone assigned to help them with different things. I'm so glad your son had a good time!
Love (and hugs for your little one),
Nina
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mouthy
Good MUM!!! So happy you took him . He is fortunate to have a loving MUM... Give him extra hugs from us all. It "warms the cockles of my heart" to hear he enjoyed it & made friends. But more it pleases me to know YOU felt good about them all treating him as he should be treated((((hug))
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Brummie
Glad to hear everything went well Petty, happy birthday to your little son.
Brummie
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Big Tex
This is great news Petty. It's one of the those life events that are treasured years from now. Kids can be very kind to one another. Sometimes all they need is the impetus or direction. My son is 6 years old too. Give yours a Happy Birthday squeeze for me.
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Utopian_Raindrops
Oh Rhonda!!
I am so happy for Nick (and you)!!
Was Nick able to show what kind of time he was having? I only ask because for years with my son I might not know the day he was participating in something if he noticed what was going on around him. Actually, on some things it wasnt until just over 6 months ago I realized the entire atmosphere he had been drinking.
I am sure Nick had a wonderful time and one day will tell you all of it!
Isnt it fantastic how schools these days are making the so-called normal kids aware of their life challenged peers?!
I was upset when they cut this program but for a time my middle child was being taught sign language in school and would help with her hearing impaired peers.
When they cut this program she became a student assistant helping teachers with life challenged youths who attended mainstream classes instead of special education.
I have to say that although I was not there with you just reading your post made me cry happy tears!! {{{{{hugs}}}} {{{{{hugs}}}} and more {{{{{hugs}}}}
Sometimes the world can be so WONDERFUL!!!
Gotta luvz ya gurlfriend!!
Utopian_Raindrops
Para ti bonita.......
Edited by - Utopian_Raindrops on 29 January 2003 2:38:42
