Just the other day, we were at the grocery store, and this woman was...... watching. If it has ever happened to you, you know what I mean. They just watch you. Sometimes I realize it, like in this situation and sometimes I don't even realize, and later they will come over and tell me they were watching. We were eating at Cracker Barrel one time and this couple, the lady especially, was staring at Kamdyn the entire time they were eating. They finished before us, so the lady stopped on the way out and told me how much she enjoyed watching Kamdyn. She commented on how cute she was and something about her fork-using ability. Another time we were out to eat, same thing. They weren't as obvious about watching us, but at the end of their meal, they stopped to tell us how well behaved all the kids were. Maybe part of it is just that we have what some would consider a large family (I don't consider it large). But I know a lot of the attention is because of Kamdyn, because they usually direct the attention toward her.
I'm sure I could go on and on and on. Same thing the other day at a Little League game that we were at: 2 ladies who were just enthralled with Kamdyn, and even made it a point to come up to her at the end of the game to say goodbye.
I know there are varying opinions on this matter. How do you feel about it? Does your child get a ton of extra attention? Do you mind? Would you rather they didn't? Do you feel like it bothers your other children?
I love the title of this post! lol, I feel like Russell is a celebrity when we take him into town too! Cashiers from every store know his name and they almost trip over each other to get us to go into their check out lane so they can chat with him.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny...In the beginning I hated the extra attention. I can't even count how many posts I wrote on it saying I hated being stared at or "watched". But over the past year or so I have learned to just let go of all those negative feelings. People are drawn to Russell...They are interested in him. This is the community that he is going to grow up in, so why not allow others to show him extra kindness when they want to? So no, I don't mind at all when people look at us or go out of their way to talk to Russell. It makes me happy.
Great post!
I find it tricky. I do not have a child with any special ability, disability or particular needs however when I see someone with a child that society may consider different I try not to watch or stare as I do not wish to be considered rude. But I want to say hello or smile. I want my daughter to know that she should be friendly to everyone and not to exclude or discriminate. But then think, why would anyone need my approval? All children are a blessing regardless x
ReplyDeleteWe also get a lot of attention & I love it! I know there will be times when negative attention may be given so I soak up these times.
ReplyDeleteWe get a lot of attention and are often approached by strangers. I don't mind at all! Even the people that just watch, I don't mind as long as it seems well-intended. Only one time have we felt like it was a "rude stare" and I gave them a dirty look and repositioned Lauren so that her back was facing them. Most of the time I assume people are just thinking how cute my kids are :) My twin sister and I were both "watchers" of people with Down syndrome in public well before I ever thought of getting pregnant with Lauren. It seems fitting that I was eventually blessed with a child with an extra chromosome.
ReplyDeleteThey do get a lot of attention, its true. :) It's not their fault they are so cute ;)
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