[blindkid] Explaining blindness to a child

[Mario and Dina]

Thank you both for responding.  I do feel like it is our own fears that are overwhelming us, as if it is the start of a journey into an unknown land but we don't know how to take the first step.

It's good to know others are out there.

Dina
On Sep 15, 2010, at 1:28 PM, Susie Cooper wrote:

> I agree.  My son is 9 now but he started to loose his sight when he was 5.  From 
> the beginning we have been truthful with him and have told him that he can still 
> do whatever he wants and we will back him up in whatever he wants to do.  I feel 
> the communication with your child is the most important one.
> 
> Best of Luck!
> 
> Susie Cooper
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: Kim Cunningham <kim at gulfimagesphoto.com>
> To: (for parents of blind children)NFBnet Blind Kid Mailing List 
> <blindkid at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wed, September 15, 2010 12:16:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [blindkid] Explaining blindness to a child
> 
> I know this is a hard time for your family. When parents hear the word "blind" 
> and their child in the same sentence, it can be overwhelming. It's important to 
> know that what we perceive blindness to be, is actually not at all what it means 
> to be blind. The unknow in any situation in life is scary. You have come to a 
> great group of parents who can answer most any questions you have. Your nephew 
> is still very young and should adapt to his situation easier than his parents 
> will. My suggestion would be to present his condition to him truthfully and 
> without fear. You will find that his life will be limitless if you truly believe 
> in his abilities. When most four year olds ask questions, parents don't need to 
> go into great depth as you will lose their attention. Most of the time, simple 
> sentences will work. Maybe you can present braille books and adapted games to 
> let him know he will have different choices to make for playtime and school. He 
> will still be able
> to have fun and learn. 
> Even though my daughter was born blind, there were times when she also had 
> questions about her blindness. I always tried to be positive and honest.
> I recommend visiting www.nfb.org. There are many links to answer questions for 
> new parents. 
> 
> Kim Cunningham
> 
> 
> --- On Wed, 9/15/10, Mario and Dina <dinamario at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> From: Mario and Dina <dinamario at comcast.net>
> Subject: [blindkid] Explaining blindness to a child
> To: blindkid at nfbnet.org
> Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 1:08 PM
> 
> 
> My 4 year old nephew is rapidly losing his vision.  The doctors cannot figure 
> out why other than his optic nerves are atrophied and it looks as though there 
> is nothing to be done.  We are imaging the day when his sight goes completely.  
> We really need to hear from parents who have gone through this and can help us 
> figure out how to explain it to him.  This has happened very quickly and we can 
> hardly explain it to ourselves much less a 4 year old.
> 
> Can anyone share their story with us?
> 
> Thank you!
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