I spotted her grandparents in their car before we officially met. They were cozily reading while a couple of their grandkids played nearby at the park.
As we strolled down the path to the wood chips, a little girl—who later revealed she was 8—jumped from her swing and rushed towards us, announcing loudly, “That baby is really red!” Her brother joined in, and I couldn’t help but chuckle when my daughter, Lily, who is 4 but quite petite, boldly replied, “I’m not a baby!”
Honestly, I wasn’t in the mood for a teachable moment at the park; I just wanted to enjoy some swing time with my kids. But I quickly explained that Lily has a skin condition and that this is how she was born. I then introduced both kids by name and pointed to the boy’s shirt featuring the logo of the local baseball team, saying, “Oh, are you a fan of the team? Lily and Jake are, too!” This distracted them momentarily from their initial observations.
In no time, the little girl was back on the swings, full of curiosity and friendly questions. “Why does her skin peel like that?” “Why is she so small? She looks younger!” “Why doesn’t she have much hair?” I answered each one while also chatting about her age, her school, and her Girl Scout adventures, which led us to a discussion about favorite cookies. Eventually, the questions faded, and playful banter filled the air as more kids joined.
Later, while climbing on some equipment, a new child approached, and that inquisitive girl promptly spoke up, “That’s how she was born. Isn’t she cute? She looks like a baby, but she’s not!”
Although facing a barrage of questions wasn’t my preferred way to spend an afternoon, I was thankful that no adult intervened to whisk that little girl away at the first question. Not only did she gain insight in a positive way, but she also enjoyed a genuine conversation with Lily, who got to express herself confidently, stating, “I’m not a baby,” and “That’s how I was born.” Lily had the chance to engage instead of wondering why a potential new friend was being pulled away.
It was the first time we navigated such curious questions without adult interference. As we waved goodbye, I felt grateful that the experience was constructive and hopeful it was beneficial for both my kids and the others.
I’ve always believed that allowing our children to learn about one another through respectful dialogue fosters acceptance and appreciation for our unique differences. Being different doesn’t have to be perceived as strange; rather, it’s a normal aspect of being human. After all, our incredible creator crafts each of us as beautiful masterpieces.
A few weeks later, I returned to the same park with my kids and noticed that familiar vehicle in the lot. As we reached the wood chips, that same little girl greeted us with a bright smile. “You came back!!” she exclaimed excitedly.
This time, there were no questions about differences, just the lighthearted chatter of 8-year-olds. She had learned, had accepted, and now our differences seemed insignificant. We were simply friends.
For more insights on navigating parenthood and building connections through understanding, check out our posts on home insemination kits and pregnancy resources.
Summary:
In a park encounter, a little girl’s questions about my daughter’s skin condition led to a valuable lesson in acceptance and friendship. By allowing children to explore differences in a respectful way, we foster understanding and appreciation for one another, turning curiosity into camaraderie.