Re: gawking

[Guest guest]

I took Monday off and as a treat I took Kara to a Mcs with a slide

inside. When she is ready she asks for french fries. We sat down by her

favorite chair and a lady at the next table ( she is about 50 ish with a big

family) could not stop staring at Kara. I was very uncomfortable and I

wanted to lash out, but I kept my cool and said nothing. I know I need to

be aware of these opportunities to educate the masses.

It also bothers me that kids stare. There was a little girl there who also

stared and I didn't say anything. She is about 4 and would rather look at

Kara's fm unit then the slide. Kara was too young to notice but it bothers

me.

I'll do better next time.

Diane, Kara's Mom, 2yo hoh

Re: Digest Number 369

From: StormyWen@...

I've been thinking a lot lately about what other children (and adults) are

going to think about my daughter once she gets her hearing aids and it sort

of bothered me but not too much. I had no idea that there were people out

there who really think that hearing aids are so different that they need to

gawk at them. I'm going to try not to get too depressed about this whole

thing.

In a message dated 01/17/2000 12:34:41 AM Pacific Standard Time,

Listen-Uponelist writes:

<< Although he's a kind and friendly kid, plays baseball,

soccer, is in cub scouts, gone to summer camp and town rec programs, he has

been invited on just one play date, and no birthday parties. He is always

the last one to be chosen. He invites kids over to play and they say no. He

spends a lot of time playing alone. >>

---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Diane,

It does take practice so do be patient with yourself! Kids are very curious

by nature so when I see a child staring at my daughter, I try to remember

that child isn't trying to be mean, they're just interested! I'll often

strike up a conversation with the little one -- or I might say to my

daughter, " Li Sha, I think that little girl/boy wants to say hello to you " .

Sometimes a child will point to my daughter's eye but not have the language

or social skills to ask their question. When that's the case, I might say

something like " yes! She had stitches there. Have you ever had stitches

before? " -- etc. Kids love to brag about how many stitches they've had and

where!

My hoh daughter doesn't yet have the language to really understand but my

younger daughter will respond to questions about her sisters hearing aid in

much the same way. Just today she was explaining to a little boy " stick

your fingers in your ears like this.... " <g>

Kids are curious and that's a good thing -- it isn't personal. I've found

that most children quickly become quite comfortable once they realize it's

ok to ask their question -- they just move on and everyone plays happily

together (well, usually!).

On the other hand, I might use the term " gawking " to describe some adult

reactions -- but that's another topic.

Dana

saddha@...

RE: gawking

>

>

>

> I took Monday off and as a treat I took Kara to a Mcs with a slide

> inside. When she is ready she asks for french fries. We sat down by her

> favorite chair and a lady at the next table ( she is about 50 ish with a

big

> family) could not stop staring at Kara. I was very uncomfortable and I

> wanted to lash out, but I kept my cool and said nothing. I know I need to

> be aware of these opportunities to educate the masses.

>

> It also bothers me that kids stare. There was a little girl there who

also

> stared and I didn't say anything. She is about 4 and would rather look at

> Kara's fm unit then the slide. Kara was too young to notice but it

bothers

> me.

>

> I'll do better next time.

>

> Diane, Kara's Mom, 2yo hoh