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Comparison is the Thief of Joy
This interview was fun to do because I know this family very well. This girl is amazing and one of her great strengths is her ability to make other people feel special. She loves to make cards for people and I have been the recipient of many of her homemade cards. If someone she knows has a birthday, she makes a card. If someone is not feeling well, she makes a card. She does this on her own, without any prompting from anyone. I love the saying “comparison is the thief of joy.” If you would compare her social skills to any other child, you would find that is a strength. I thought about this saying and how it compares to everyone. We all have things we are better at than others. People can look at a child with special needs and find all the things that the child can not do, but if you start looking at all the things she or he can do, you find joy. Look for joy and stop comparing that child to anyone else. Everyone has special gifts and talents. Comparison really is the thief of joy.
Q: What is one thing you wish teachers knew about your child that is not on the IEP?
A: N/A- Teachers seem to know her pretty well!
Q: Scores on tests do not define the child. What is something your child is really good at that is not reflected on tests?
A: Her social skills are exceptional! She gives compliments appropriately and initiates conversation better than most “typical” peers.
Q: How important is homework for your child? Is it just a burden, or is it a helpful learning tool?
A: Not important- unless it is practicing life skills such as cooking or cleaning
Q: How old was your child when you first knew he/she had special needs?
A: She was born with health issues, but we first noticed delays when she wasn’t walking at age 2(independently)