ds160411_bullying-668x418A parent at an elementary school in Illinois came up with a great way to squash whispers, teasing and bullying of her son who has a form of dwarfism. By sending a letter home to his classmates and their families and explaining Conrad’s condition, it made the first day of school and the making of new friends a lot easier not only for her son but for his classmates as well.

For many children with physical and/or developmental disabilities, trying to fit in with peers can be difficult. Peers don’t often understand the disability, and this causes a rift between them. By being proactive when possible, we can help mitigate the stares, whispers and often not cruel-intentioned but hurtful comments.

“Children are naturally curious about differences and will have questions. ‘Parents need to work with their child on how to answer questions, how to explain what’s different about them and to tell them, ‘Child, listen, everyone is different. Some people wear glasses; some people wear braces,” Wallace said. The key, Wallace said, is answering those questions in a friendly, nonconfrontational manner that will effectively put their minds at ease, so that the children can look past the differences.” (Chicago Tribune)

To read the full article published in the Chicago Tribune, click here.