On a recent outing to the neighborhood park, my son, who is on the autism spectrum, spotted some children his age and wanted to join them for a game of hide-and-seek. He eagerly asked if he could invite them to play, and I encouraged him to go ahead.
Initially, the other kids agreed to play, instructing him to hide while they counted. However, their intentions were far from friendly. As my son joyfully sought out a hiding spot, I overheard the other children laughing at his expense, mocking him instead of genuinely engaging in the game. I felt a wave of heartbreak wash over me as I realized they weren’t really playing with him but were rather enjoying their “cleverness” at his cost.
When my son returned, the same scene unfolded: he approached them with hope, only to be met with the same cruelty. Disheartened, I decided it was time to leave the park and head home.
Children with autism may struggle to interpret social cues and facial expressions, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s a curse when my son misses the signs of unkindness, but a blessing in that it may shield him from some of the harsher realities of social interactions.
I urge parents to instill a sense of kindness in their children. The kids at the park could have politely declined my son’s invitation to play, citing being busy or simply not wanting to engage. I’m not suggesting they should always agree to play with him, especially if he tends to favor the same game repeatedly; rather, I encourage parents to teach their children to be honest yet kind.
In a world that often seems harsh, kindness can make a significant difference.
If you’re interested in learning more about creating a supportive environment for families, check out this informative article on in vitro fertilisation. Additionally, for those considering home insemination, our post on the Cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo and our guide on the At-Home Insemination Kit can provide valuable insights.
In summary, teaching our children to be kind, especially when interacting with those who may be different from them, is essential in fostering a more compassionate society.
Leave a Reply