It’s important to teach kids (and adults) how to handle and appreciate diversity, past the obvious differences in cultures, religions, social backgrounds, and race. What about a disability and an obvious difference in appearance due to a disability and medical condition? Being a Life Coach and having a son who is special needs, I wish people were more mindful of these special differences and knew a better way to handle and approach this group. Let’s teach our children to appreciate diversity in all shapes and forms, planting these kind and compassionate seeds at a young age can also increase empathy and respect among peers at school.

          Let’s show our kids that differences can also be beautiful and not necessarily bad. Let’s approach kids with a trach, wheelchair, eye patch, feeding tube, oxygen tank, etc. with a smile instead of a stare. The way we handle these kids has a significant impact on how they view themselves. NO child likes to feel different and as they get older, they are more and more aware of their differences, it’s our job as a society to give these special kids a chance to fit in, nobody likes to be excluded! From a young age, ignoring differences and focusing on the commonality can really be helpful. At last, awareness is important, educate teachers and peers if your child has a special condition, this can really bridge the gap in the classroom setting to promote a happy and understanding environment at school.