What Would You Do Wednesday is a feature here on the Knowledge Safari blog where anyone can send in questions that we will then post to get our reader's answers and advice.
If you have a question you can send it to blog@knowledgesafari.com
Here is today's question from Amanda:
"Hi, I am a teenager and have a younger brother who has Down Syndrome. I love him and my family. Sometimes, I think that my friends don't want to come to my house because my brother is different. How can I explain to them that he is really the same?"
Ok, blog readers take it away - any advice for Amanda?
Knowledge Safari would like to say kudos to Amanda for being able to share your feelings. New or differnent things can be scary sometimes. Try not to take it personally and take the opportunity to educate your friends in an easy way. We would suggest having a friend over one at a time and for a bit of time, include your brother. Introduce him to your friend, explain that he has Down Syndrome (you might want to ask your parents exactly how to explain what Down Syndrome is) and he likes to draw (or whatever he likes to do). Then spend a moment doing what he likes to do, together with your friend. It could be a good time for everyone and we think that your friend will feel less nervous around your brother after having spent some time with him. Let us know how it goes!
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3 comments:
Amanda,
Maybe your teacher could help you explain Down Sydrome at school. You could even ask your class or school to get involved with awareness walk or fundraiser in your area. That way, your classmates will see that there are many others like your brother out there that also deserve to be included and treated with respect.
-Ruth
Kudos to Amanda as well. It's unfortunate that her friends haven't been exposed to other people/kids who are "different" so that they know they're the same...have an awesome party that they can't resist...and have your brother there...so they can get comfortable and see that he's the same!
The ideas mentioned above sound like great ideas! You may find, though, that some of your friends are not as accepting of your brother as you would like them to be. And if they don't choose to get to know how great he is, then it's really their loss. You may find that your true friends--the ones that will stand by you through anything--are the ones that embrace your brother and the color that he adds to your family picture.
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