Seeing Brantley being stared at fills me with rage. Today, at Bronson's baseball camp, I lost count at 24 kids who couldn't tear their eyes away from Brantley. I had to keep telling myself that it is just innocent curiosity, stemming from ignorance.
Kids are naturally nosy, especially when faced with someone like Brantley. So, I'm pleading with you, from one parent to another parent: please, educate your children about disabilities. Teach them that while it's okay to be curious, staring can hurt others. Encourage them to see people for who they are, not their disabilities.
When your kid asks about someone like Brantley, embrace their questions. Shutting down their curiosity only teaches them to avoid those who are different, leading to more awkward stares. Lead by example. Show them how to include everyone, no matter how peculiar someone may seem.
Help your children grasp that disabilities aren't contagious or scary. Focus your conversation on what people share, not what sets them apart. And above all, practice what you preach. Show kindness, respect, and acceptance to everyone so your children will follow suit.
At the end of the day, it's on us parents to nurture kindness and acceptance. By fostering empathy and understanding, we can create a world where Brantley isn't a spectacle, but just another eight year old boy who loves to watch baseball, because that is what he is, despite all the the stares setting him apart.
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