Courage

Clearly, the horrible situation in Ukraine is front and center on everyone’s mind right now. For many of us, cell phones and televisions carry images of war that are terrifying to parents — and especially scary to our children, including those with disabilities.

I wanted to use today’s edition of Another Normal to remind parents of just how easily our sons and daughters with disabilities can be influenced. Depending upon how perceptive they are, many know when we’re troubled. It sometimes seems they even have a “sixth sense” to detect when we are sad, anxious or worried. I am feeling all these emotions right now. Maybe you are, too.

If your children (no matter what age or ability) are interested or concerned about what’s happening in Ukraine, here are a few tips to help you keep your own fears from triggering theirs:

Now is the perfect time to teach young people with disabilities about the importance of courage. We all need a lot of it in today’s world especially.

Courage isn’t having the strength to go on, it is going on when you don’t have the strength.

— Napoleon Bonaparte

Another Normal is a free e-newsletter for parents, caregivers and others committed to helping young adults with disabilities bloom and grow. The archive of issues includes curated news and information on topics such as employment, independent living, government supports, disability rights, sexuality, travel, recreation and more. Thanks for being here.