“But the other kids are going to know I’m leaving.” She lamented.
I could have lied. I could have lost her trust by trying to convince her that, no, they wouldn’t.
But I met her where she was.
“Yes. Yes, they will. And this is a choice you have to make.” I said, instead.
“Either you endure a read-aloud that sends you into a full-blown panic-attack or you make accommodations for yourself, like anyone else with a disability does and you excuse yourself to the library. In other words, you own it.”
For me, it’s environmental allergies. When I pet a dog, I immediately wash my hands. I’ve owned dogs. I love dogs, I take allergy shots for dogs, but I am, alas, allergic to dogs. I make accommodations.
For her sister, it’s food allergies. I make separate meals three times a day to accommodate.
My daughter suffers from anxiety. We treat with professionals and we do the best we can do avoid triggers, when we can.
“What will I say, when they ask why I’m reading a different book?”
“You tell them the truth.” I explain. “You own it, you brave, girl. And you give others the chance to know that they are not alone, if they, too, feel the same way.”
New Leaf Parenting 