Reflection 8-Peer Relationships

Posted on March 16, 2008

It is kinda funny and ironic that this week we are discussing peer relationships because yesterday was my son's 4th birthday party with 9 four year old running and wheeling around my house!! (Thank god my house is octagon!!) As you can imagine it was absolute choas!! Anyway one of the party goers happened to be a young boy with moderate CP that is in a wheelchair. He is in the same pre-school class as my son and the rest of the party goers. He has been to my house many times, upon my son's invitation because in the words of my son, "He rocks!" This little boy is absoultely amazing as well as his parents. They try to get him involved in things that any normal 4 year old boy would do. He has tried skiing this year and is looking foward to tee-ball in the spring.
So back to the party... we had all the normal party games and a pinata to make things more interesting. (I was smart I didn't get one that you have to hit I got one that the kids just pull strings and it eventually opens.)My husband I took a step back from the yelling and screeming and couldn't help but see the most amazing things. My son and his class mates treated him just like they would each other. My husband and I were ready to assist this little boy whenever he needed help however the little ones took over. They helped get juice, cake and pizza. They had turns dancing with him (spinning his wheelchair). It was like they were naturals at helping him. But what really amazed my husband and I was how they could care less that he was different or in a wheelchair.
I have been a special education teacher for some time and kids never cease to amaze me. We underestimate them so much! I think that we need to just leave kids alone when it comes to a situation like this. They know what to do! They know what it feels like to be left out. I sometimes think that adults make things worse by imposing our presence on them. When it comes to making and keeping friends we need to let the kids do their thing. We should be there to educate if needed but we should be try to stay out of it. Of course, I think that parents with children with intensive needs, should educate and inform other parents. I think that some parents have that initial fear that they may not know how to interact with this child while they are at their house.
Back to the party...it was a success, my house is still standing!! I would like to think that what I observed at the party with this little boy continues throughout his life. I know that my son has developed a very good friend who ROCKS!!!! I also think that the other little boys in my son's class better watch out I observed a kiss on the cheek from the most popular girl to this little boy; he is somewhat of a cassanova!