Readers will know how much I love children and that when I suffered a massive stroke, I had to give up my beloved child minding career.
Moving into an adapted bungalow has opened up new opportunities for me.
As we live in a quiet cul-du-sac the children in the neighbourhood often play outside.
While I was at the front of the property in my electric wheelchair, I sat and watched the children play.
One boy was very interested in how my wheelchair works, so I told him that I would give him a race: He ran like the wind and easily beat me;telling me that I wasn’t very fast!
Another child asked if he could race me on his bike, again I was left behind, so feeling sorry for me, he suggested that I had a considerable head start, again I was beaten,
His younger sister asked if I would play hop scotch with her.
I explained that as much as I would love to, I was unable to grt out of the wheelchair and walk.
“It’s O.K, I will teach you to play it” she said.
I followed her to the hopscotch grid that was chalked outside her house and she cycled over it and told me to do the same ( her version of hopscotch was to simply go over the grid in any way that you can).
Later I was asked to take part in hide and seek. Again hiding in the wheelchair was a challenge, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeking the children
. One boy gave himself away by giggling as I went past the wheelie bin that he was couching behind, I said that I wouldn’t have found him had he kept quiet, but he said it was too funny not to laugh as I went past without seeing him!
We also played tag ( I had to be the chaser for the whole game) and a game called larva floor that I wasn’t familiar with.
When I went back indoors my husband told me the children will be asking if Karen can come out to play soon, but you know what? I’m looking forward to it!
I have written this in the hope of inspiring others.
Being a wheelchair user doesn’t have to be a barrier and it’s a great way of teaching children about disability.
As always questions and comments are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
x
Linked with
Sound like you are enjoying getting out with the kids more 🙂 #anythinggoes
I definitely am, Claire, thanks for taking the time to read the post
Thanks for your kind words, Pearl
It’s amazing what you can achieve in a wheelchair and if anyone can cope so well using one you can. It’s lovely how the children have taken to you and as you have said its good for them to get used to someone with a disability.keep up the good work Karen and you will get so much pleasure in the future with the children in your cal- sac .
Thanks for your kind words Pearl
What a gift for those children!
Thank you,Michele
Isn’t it lovely how so many children are not phased by differences. Enjoy the fun! Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories
I am enjoying the children’s company, Annette, thanks for your comment
I love that you presented the wheelchair as normal rather than a barrier which encourages children to feel the same way. Being open and honest with children is so important to help them become informed about disability. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
Absolutly, Laura
That is great Karen. It is obvious how much you love children and how great you are with them so it is lovely to read that you are able to join in the games #MischiefAndMemories
Thank you for your kind words ,I do love children
So lovely you’re still able to join in and that the children are eager for you to play. Thanks for joining in with #pocolo
Absolutely, thanks for having me as a part of the linky party