This summer has been a blast with my kids. Sure there have been bouts of boredom and their summer appetite has increased but overall I’ve enjoyed being with them. They’ve had lots of time in the water, being outside and just having fun. There has also been VBS and camps to break up the monotony, and just have some extra fun with peers.
One of their activities was a dance camp through our school district. The greatest takeaway was this – they had fun. Yes, that’s all I cared about. It wasn’t that they learn and perfect a dance. It wasn’t that they shone the brightest. It was simply to have fun, laugh and meet other people.
My girls were quite timid the first day but they warmed up and were dancing in their way and having fun in their own way. You see, my girls have overcome so much already in their five fierce years, and I was thrilled to see their brave lion hearts glimmer through their timid exteriors.
I don’t care if they hardly followed all the dance steps and I surely don’t care if either of them appeared a little different or out of sync. (To be honest, the girls in their age group were all over the place and you could tell which ones are already avid dancers.) They are mine and they are loved. Their differences make them who they are and if jumping for excitement (as one of my girls displays) or stumbling through a dance (cue the other girl) makes them happy then it makes me happy.
Besides they are only five. Dancing may or may not be their forte. If they’re like me they will have a slew of interests that change as the seasons come and go. Although one girl definitely prefers ballet over cheer dance. I am just introducing them to different activities to see what piques their interest or to introduce different socialization tactics.
Here’s the thing. Don’t be afraid to include your neurodivergent child in a mainstream activity for fear of being a little different. Even if you have a neurotypical child who may think or act a little differently, don’t be afraid of what the mainstream or popular crowd may have to say or respond to your child. Introducing the differing parties can only help bridge the differences even if it takes awhile. Don’t expect instant results.
While at the dance camp, I scanned the room and many of the kids acted similarly to mine. There was a dancer with Down syndrome but for the most part many of the dancers were – from a superficial level – within a normal acting range. Although invisible special needs or ailments are hard to spot.
Don’t let your child’s special needs deter you from enrolling or signing them up for something they may enjoy or benefit from. There will probably be accommodations, and you may feel some nervousness for your child, but including your child is good for everyone all around.
When other children are exposed to children with special needs, they will eventually learn that there are a range of people beyond what they’ve been exposed. Even if your child doesn’t have a disability and is just awkward or a bit different, encourage them to be around people they aren’t comfortable with.
By including your child others will be more inclusive. Inclusivity often starts with you.
