A lesson from an unexpected source

A guilty pleasure of mine is “trash tv”.

One night, I began watching the Kardashians. I know some of you might be thinking:

But to my surprise, the episode highlighted an important lesson. I even used the story during my last workshop!

Here’s the movie trailer version:

Recently I was supporting an after-school program. While walking outside, I noticed a child laying on the ground.

With curiosity, I asked the educator’s “what was going on?”. I wasn’t sure if he was tired, sick, or bored.

It turns out this child is developmentally and physically delayed.

The educators believed he couldn’t understand or do much. So oftentimes he was left alone. As I propped him up, I began to reflect on how to create positive changes.

Then cue the Kardashian episode and its valuable lesson😊

One of the sister’s mentioned how her ex-husband was in a coma. The doctors didn’t believe there was much hope.

Regardless, she had faith so every day she visited him at the hospital. To help him she:

·       Played his favorite songs.

·       Reminisced on memories.

·       Updated him with current events.

·       Read him books.

·       Spoke to him as if he was awake.

Miraculously he woke up a few months later.

One of the first things he did was thank her. He mentioned how he was grateful for her kindness and care.

He told her he heard and understood everything she said. But he felt as if he was in drowning and couldn’t get up or make a sound.

This story reminded me of the importance of showing up for others regardless of their perceived condition. We truly have no idea what the other person is experiencing.

As I pondered on this, I asked for help. One of my co-workers was available to support the child and educators for a week.

She modeled different ways to enhance his engagement. For example, she:

·       Read him stories.

·       Brought him for walks in a stroller.

·       Sang songs.

·       Played with his toys.

·       Encouraged his peers to play alongside.

·       Added new toys.

When I returned to the childcare. To my surprise I saw a completely different scene. He was smiling, laughing, and appeared happy. His educators read him books, sat next to him, brought him for a walk and spoke to him.

Most importantly, his educators saw him as competent and capable.

Our perceptions can enhance or hinder any situation. I truly believe it starts with us. Let’s continue to believe in the greatness of each other.

With all my love,

Alex