Our Mommyhood

By Signe, Staff Writer, My Baby Clothes Boutique

As early as the pre-school years, children begin to form “theories” about how the world works, including feelings about people with differences and disabilities. Children’s theories develop through a combination of real-world experiences and information shared by trusted adults. As a parent, one of the best ways you can encourage compassion and acceptance is to read your child books devoted to appreciating kids with special needs. These three children’s books are great reads for promoting kindness and creating understanding:

In Jesse’s Shoes by Beverly Lewis

In the early school age years, kids begin to think critically about hurtful behaviors like teasing and name-calling. At the same age, they are capable of showing empathy and using caring behaviors to reach out to victims of unkindness. In Jesse’s Shoes is the tender tale of little sister, Allie, as she copes with the ridicule that her disabled brother, Jesse, receives from his peers. Though life is not always easy in either child’s shoes, Allie learns a touching lesson about seeing the world’s from her brother’s perspective and realizing that everyone is special.

Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism by Laurie Lears

Autism affects 1 in every 110 children and 1 in every 70 boys. If your child has started school, chances are excellent that he has a classmate on the autism spectrum. Given the prevalence of this developmental disorder, it is imperative that children of all abilities gain an understanding of their peers with autism and develop compassion and acceptance for their special needs. Ian’s Walk is a great choice for parents who want to help their youngsters learn about behaviors common to children with autism. Better yet, the book is a perfect choice to help siblings of children with autism cope with the range of emotions, from patience and compassion to resentment and frustration, they experience everyday.

Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis

It’s easy to admit that as a redhead, I am drawn to books that feature carrot-topped characters. Pippi Longstocking and Madeline aside, however, Susan Laughs would be a top choice in children’s books even if its main character were a blonde. The illustrations and simple wording make this book an eye-catcher for all. Cleverly written, this read-aloud story for young listeners emphasizes all of the things that spirited Susan undoubtedly has in common with readers. It is not until the final page of the book, when readers have already bonded with the main character, that they see her sitting in a wheelchair. By this time, it’s too late to have any doubts that Susan’s heart and mind is just like that of any other child. This is a heart-warming story and great read for inspiring kids to focus on similarities instead of differences.

By Signe Whitson, LSW As a Chief Operating Officer for the Life Space Crisis Intervention Institute, she trains professionals who work with children in crisis. She helps them teach children to turn crisis situations into opportunities to learn how to turn them around. Their approach helps at risk children and youth to stop self defeating patterns and change their lives. My Baby Clothes is proud to be a partner in her movement to better the relationships of parents and children. They provide a wide selection of baby clothes perfect for any special occasion – tutus with matching baby headbands, newborn gown sets with matching cuddly baby hats and so much more.

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