On the subject of being taught not to stare...

[conuly]

The bus we take often has a disabled passenger on it. A guy in a wheelchair who takes the same route at the same time as we do.

Ana is fascinated, understandably, with the process of making the lift work and getting people off the bus thataway. I mean, the DRIVER leaves his SEAT, OMG!

But I don't want her staring at people who are different than she is. It's understandable, tolerable, and even almost cute in a three year old. It's not going to be forever, though. I did manage to get her to stop saying "STROLLER!" every time she sees somebody in a wheelchair, but this is harder. Just a bit.

I also worry, of course, that my efforts to convince her not to stare at anybody are equally offensive.

I worry too much, I think.

Well, worst comes to worst, if she morphs into a spoiled brat, she's not my kid.

Comments

[neurotica0.livejournal.com]

The problem with the "no staring" rule is that it gets overlearned, and children (and adults) become afraid to even look at someone who is different, because they don't know how to draw the line between staring and not staring. I've heard lots of people talk about how hurtful it is that when they walk into a room, suddenly dozens of people avert their eyes.

[conuly]

Yeah, that's just as bad. Oh dear.