---
title: Representation starts with conversation
description: Pop quiz! You're at a park with your little one and another family with a child using a walker arrives at the playground. How do you react? What do you do?
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---

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# Representation starts with conversation

[Jacquie Robison](https://go.wawos.org/author/jacquie-robison)  October 20, 2021

![](https://go.wawos.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/9BlVUdGJ0DGUzM2gsVsVnHyGwjgpigyo9NrAkqfx-KXPoKV1YyYD5Di219pYvSESQCiMNxNe96LYb0iONddy0BnCZHcyzbygSA.jpg)

 Pop quiz! You're at a park with your little one and another family with a child using a walker arrives at the playground. How do you react? What do you do?

 I sometimes get asked this question when I'm talking to parents and families, and I encourage them to think about what they do when any new kiddo shows up at the park.

 Say hi! Share your toys. Start a conversation.

 Normalizing physical difference and disability with your children is time well spent and is super important. These talks deepen compassion and empathy in kids, and reinforce that a visible physical difference doesn't define a person.

 Use empowering, positive language when you're talking to your child. Consider something like, "a walker is a great tool to help them get their legs stronger and join games you like to play." Avoid language that pities or casts the child in a light of not being capable. It can be helpful to connect to an experience your child may already have....does a grandparent use a walker? Is there a family member who wears glasses? Those are tools that help those individuals with various aspects of life -- and it doesn't change the person's value and worth.

 These books are some of my favorites -- and they're just a sampling of the many resources available to start these conversations, allow space for your child to ask questions, and raise an ally.

*Demystifying Disability* by Emily Ladau

*When Charley Met Emma* by Amy Webb

*Gary's Gigantic Dream* by Dr. Nicole Julia

*Just Ask!* by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

*I am Me from A to Z* by Victoria Nelson

*Let's Go Play* by Shelby McCarthy

 What are some of your favorite children's books about inclusion, learning and play? Let's add to the library!

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