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Wheelchair etiquette?

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Started by Erin, author of Amundsen House of Chaos
Living life with a childhood stroke survivor

11/3/2009 7:29 PM

Just curious if any of you other moms of kiddos in wheelchairs correct others in regards to your kids? I had a cashier at walmart giving me death looks because Colby was screaming in his chair. I admit not a great time to go shopping but I was out of a lot of things and couldn't put it off any longer. She was just being rude so I looked at her and said "You know what? Kids in wheelchairs have temper tantrums too. He's just mad and doesn't want to be here. He's throwing a fit and needs to stop."

She looked at me like I was insane. But it made me mad. Just because he's in a wheelchair doesn't mean he gets to throw temper tantrums. Anyway I was just wondering how some of you handle it.

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Reply by 5MinutesForMom
author of 5 Minutes for Mom - Bringing Moms Together
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11/6/2009 1:20 AM

I don't have a child in a wheelchair... but that is a good point that I've never thought about. I'll remember that if I ever see a child in a wheelchair having a tantrum.

~Susan

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Reply by the nourished mama
author of Nourish
the nourished nest

11/7/2009 11:25 AM

How insensitive of that woman!  I would be so mad too.  I probably would have said something to her.  There is nothing wrong with telling ignorant people that you do not appreciate their rudeness.  Just try to stay calm while saying it.  It would probably feel good to speak up for your son and they might even act differently next time. :) 

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Reply by Tammy and Parker
author of Praying For Parker

11/7/2009 1:22 PM

I think you handled it perfectly!   My way of thinking kinda goes like this:

I always tend to give kids the benefit of the doubt.  They are kids and this may be their first experience with anyone that is different.  Plus, I figure if I can make a positive impression on them while they are YOUNG, then have the battle has been won.

With adults, I try and remember that sometimes things come out wrong.  Before I had Parker I had no clue as to people first language.  If my sweet friend hadn't modeled it for me in such a teaching and loving way, I'd still be clueless.   If she would have made some kind of sarcastic retort that may well have put me off of ever trying to be a part of her child's life for fear of 'messing' up again.

But, rudeness is something totally different.  I tend to not tolerate rudeness no matter what the situation.  I think looking that cashier in the eye and speaking truthfully was the right way to go.

Tammy and Parker
www.prayingforparker.com
@ParkerMama on Twitter

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Reply by Erin
author of Amundsen House of Chaos
Living life with a childhood stroke survivor

11/7/2009 9:17 PM

I will admit that I said it much calmer than I felt like saying it! At that point in time with all three of my kids acting up I really just wanted to rip her head off but I said it calmly and then left.

I agree with giving the kids the benefit of the doubt. I think a lot of people make assumptions about kids in general and dont' take a minute to realize that there are lots of different reasons for kids acting up or acting out or what ever the case may be.

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