I got this idea from a fellow blogger mom on the cicircle yahoo listserv. There was a string of discussion on how to deal with rude people and their stares/comments about CIs. She mentioned that she created a card that she gives out when people are being curious or rude. It reminded me of this post and my struggle also to deal with the stares. To give an update, I am finding my voice when it's appropriate, but I feel empowered by this idea of creating a card about Lucas's CI.
Being the bargain shopper that I am, I caught wind of this deal at Kodak Gallery for 50 free "mommy cards" (you still pay $3.99 shipping) and I decided to create my own Lucas card. I'll put one in my pocket when I go to the park, and I'll keep one in my toddler bag (no longer really a diaper bag). I'll let you know how it goes. I just got them in the mail on Friday and I think they look really great.
What do you think of my card?
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8 comments:
I love it!!! Let us know how it goes.
Hi Lucas' Mommy :D
I followed a link to you from Leah's blog (Say What).
Sorry this is off topic, but I'm intrigued by Lucas' issues with trigger thumb.
Probably totally random, but my HoH son also has had that surgery.
I suppose with the number of HoH/Deaf kiddos, there's bound to be some coincidences. We have no reason to believe there is any connection to his hearing loss. Same for you?
My Tate was born with bilateral trigger finger - both of his longest fingers (one on each hand.) Let's just say he wouldn't have been making any obscene gestures!
He had an uneventful surgery to correct that at 12 months. Then, at age 2 1/2, both of his thumbs curled in and had to be surgically released. Again, uneventfully.
And it hasn't recurred since. He's now 11 1/2.
Sorry for the long comment, and - again - it's probably just coincidence, but thought I'd tell you our story!
Julie
Great idea. I have cards too (for my SN advocacy), but have not passed them out to rude people staring! I recently wrote a post about other people staring and how they should teach their children manners. You may find it interesting...and I may steal your idea about passing out my cards to them.
What a cool idea! I may have to steal it. :)
That's a great idea! We don't get quite as many stares with hearing aids, but we do get some (not that many children wear BTE's with full earmolds). Ironically, we've had a few people ask if Nolan's hearing aids are cochlear implants! They've obviously never seen a CI, but awareness must be growing because people wouldn't ask if they hadn't heard about the technology.
I think the cards are a great way to deal with an emotionally volatile situation when someone is staring or making rude comments.
I think it's also a great way to deal with the more positive interactions -- where people aren't being rude, but are clearly curious. Like when kids ask on the playground -- you can give them the usual spiel, and also give them a card (kids love free gifts!), and that gives them something to show their parents, it continues the conversation, and it has more of a permanent impact than just temporarily satisfying the child's curiosity. I really like the last line about spreading the word.
Hi Jenny,
This is such a fabulous idea! Brilliant! I hope you find it works well for you and Lucas.
Love,
Katie
LOVE THIS! Just yesterday we ran into a family contemplating a CI for their little boy and had so many questions. I wish I would've had one of these at that time! I just saw on Tina's blog that they're offering 50 free ones, so I'm making some up! Thanks for sharing!!
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