I had many friends and families visit me continuously in the hospital. I noticed right away that my attitude set the tone for their visit. My observation was that if I was smiling visitors immediately felt more at ease. I wanted to please adults so I quickly learned whether it was my Doctor or visitor-a smile and an upbeat greeting immediately put them at ease and more willing to extend the visit.
In my opinion, it is never to early for parents to point this out to newly disabled children. Yes, there is termendous grief and uncertainty but a smile and a genuine interest in others is so powerful. It’s my belief that it is never to early to teach this important lesson to a disabled child. A smile is so contagious and it will open so many doors for your child as they enjoy this journey of life. We have all met disabled folks who are bitter and totally unpleasant to be around-the folks we go out of our ways to avoid. I would suggest that a lot of this toxic behavoir is learned and allowed as a child. I’m not a professional pshchologist-just a person who has met thousands of disabled folks with very different attitudes! My professional speaker buddy, Keith Harrell, says it better: Attitude is Everything!!
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