[blparent] Older Kids and Interaction with the Public

[Jennifer Bose]

Hi, everyone.

This is a tough one, JoElizabeth. Here's my reading of it: People are well-meaning, and they have all kinds of thoughts about blindness and how vulnerable they would suddenly be if they couldn't see, or if they had any other disability. I understand that better than I used to. I'm glad both individuals asked you before they treated your daughter to something. It's probably an individual thing in this situation. I could be accused of being proud and independent here, but their behavior strikes me as irritating. I don't mind my children talking to strangers when I'm nearby, and I'll go read what StarGazer suggested. Nevertheless, as I see it, we didn't have children in order to depend on them for help. As blunt as that sounds, I actually had a woman remark to me when I was expecting my daughter Abigail: "Oh, that's so sweet. She'll be such a help to you." Ick!! I would just set up a rule that Mom or Dad are the only ones who will buy treats for the kids if we're out, and I would politely communicate that to strangers who want to reward kids for their heroism in dealing with their burdensome blind parents. A little snarky for me, but there you go.

Jen


Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 16, 2016, at 8:40 PM, Star Gazer via BlParent <blparent at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
>                You all really need to read Gavin Debecker's
> book, Protecting The Gift. He explains the flaw in the argument "never talk
> to strangers" since everybody is a stranger until you get to know them. He
> talks about how to teach kids, and how they can trust their instincts so
> that they can evaluate people and situations appropriately. It's wonderful
> material. 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: BlParent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Roanna
> Bacchus via BlParent
> Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2016 5:35 PM
> To: Blind Parents Mailing List <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Roanna Bacchus <rbacchus228 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] Older Kids and Interaction with the Public
> 
> Hi Jo Elizabeth thanks for your message.  I only except help from someone
> when I need it.  I think these individuals were just trying to be helpful.
> You should just enjoy it for what it is but teach your daughter never to
> talk to strangers.
> 
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