Re: Help in explaining OCD to classmates - How about...

[Guest guest]

a talk to the kids about being " different " , and maybe the teacher or counselor

does it. Seems that is most relevant anyway - why do we have to point and

explain rather than teach a most valuable lesson?

Our family is Jewish and when I hear my kids making comments about people who

are different (let alone people who have mental health issues), I tell them that

there are so many reasons why it's not OK to focus on how someone is different

rather than why they are like the rest of us - because they are Jewish, that

alone is big enough. I say that like breeds like and so when we look for

similarities, we find company. If you focus only on differences or individual

needs, you'll spend a lifetime doing it!

Another thing...it's normal for kids in the 5-6 or 7th grade to want to be just

like everyone else and they are afraid of differences. I think your daughter

explaining these things in such a public way may make the others more anxious

about her. Let her tell the kids she would like to tell in an intimate way and

let the school deal with the other kids

Bonnie

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> > > Hi. I'm new to this group and have a question. My daughter's OCD has

gotten in the way of her day at school and kids in her class have started to

take notice and tease her. She's almost 10 (4th grade). Her school counselor

wants her to write a letter to the class (that the counselor will read) and

explain what OCD is and how it affects her. Does anyone have any advice on what

information 4th graders could relate to? I'm trying to help her write this and

am totally struggling with what to say...Thank you!

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