Truman and his daddy last Halloween
This is making the rounds on Facebook and no one seems to know the original source. But it’s such an important message, I couldn’t resist sharing…
In a few days, a lot of creatures will visit your door. Be open minded. The child who is grabbing more than one piece of candy might have poor fine motor skills. The child who takes forever to pick out one piece of candy might have motor planning issues. The child who does not say “trick or treat” or “thank you” might be painfully shy, non-verbal, or selectively mute. If you cannot understand their words, they may struggle with developmental apraxia of speech. They are thankful in their hearts and minds. The child who looks disappointed when he sees your bowl might have a life-threatening allergy. The child who isn’t wearing a costume at all might have SPD or autism. Be kind, be patient, smile, pretend you understand. It’s everyone’s Halloween. Make a parent feel good by making a big deal of their special child. ♥
Reading this made my heart ache a little for Tru and all the other kiddos for whom tonight will be both wonderful and overwhelming. And for all the parents doing our best to help them feel confident and safe. There is no way to predict how the night will go for these tiny superheroes. Tru, who is over-the-moon about being a fire fighter, might breeze through it {fingers crossed}. Or…an unfamiliar noise or gruff person or too-heavy candy bag or scratchy tag on his costume could be too much for him to process. We won’t know till we’re in it.
And so, this reminder to be kind-hearted and open-minded to all of our kids – especially those for whom tonight will be a big, brave undertaking – touched my heart. I hope it touches yours, too. Wishing you a happy Halloween.
