Hello My People
Being a mom is the biggest blessing of my life. Motherhood has taught me patience, resilience, and unconditional love. Momming with a disability does come with its own challenges, but love is always the theme, and I am grateful I get to pour that love into my children every single day.
When Kids Ask About Wheelchairs
Here is a scenario many parents have faced. You are out in public with your child, and they see someone using a wheelchair. Their little voice asks, “Why is that person in a wheelchair?”
Do you shush them? Or do you answer?
Children are not rude for asking questions like this. They are curious. And curiosity is a powerful tool when it is met with honesty and kindness.
How I Explain It to My Kids
My daughter Zuri is seven years old, and yes, she has asked me why I use a wheelchair. My answer was simple and straightforward: “I use it for mobility.”
I explained it in terms she could relate to. Glasses help some people see better. A ladder helps people reach high things. A wheelchair helps me move.
That was it. No overcomplication. Just facts delivered with love.
How You Can Respond as a Parent
When a child asks about disability, the best thing you can do is normalize the question and respond with compassion. Here are two simple ways you can answer:
-
“I am not sure, but we can ask nicely and maybe they will tell us.”
-
“They use a wheelchair because they need it to move around.”
These answers are easy for children to understand. They also create opportunities for empathy and awareness.
Why Simple Answers Matter
Simple answers make a big impact. They remove shame and replace it with understanding. Children who learn early that mobility aids are just tools grow into adults who see disability as a natural part of human diversity.
That is how awareness starts. And awareness is what leads to more inclusion, more representation, and a kinder world.
Key Takeaways
-
Parenting with a disability is rooted in love, even when challenges exist
-
Kids are not rude for asking about wheelchairs, they are simply curious
-
Honest, simple answers help children learn empathy and understanding
-
Curiosity, when nurtured, becomes the foundation for awareness
-
Disability awareness begins with conversations in everyday moments
#SpinalCordInjuryAwarenessMonth #SCICommunity #DisabilityAwareness #1ReelPerDaySeptember
