What do you do when people stare at your child? It happened for the first time this weekend. I need to wrestle with this myself for a bit before I figure out what to tell my daughter to do/say. She didn't notice the woman staring at her. But that's because she's 6. She soon will. Have you all seen the shirts, "Got Spots?" I think my entire family may just need to get an arsenal of these shirts and wear them everytime we go somewhere!! (tee-hee!)
You need to be a member of Vitiligo Friends to add comments!
My daughter just turned six and she first started getting spots at two and a half so as far as she can remember she has had them she also has greying hair. We do have people stare and some say things but I talk to my daughter and depending on the way the people who are staring are acting i may talk to them too. I try to educate people but I know how frustrating it can be as well, I was at our local pool when she was 4 and another mom came up to me as i was getting in with her and asked me if she was contagious with her right there. That tests your patience as a mother.
Kelly Walker > Danielle BrownOctober 1, 2011 at 2:26am
My daughter is also 6 and she doesn't seem to notice stares. I realize they are just curious but I don't want to just stand there and be their entertainment so I just walk away. So far the only time people come up to us is at the pool. I think because when we are there you can see that it is all over her and not just a spot on her face. Also she is darker in the summer. People usually act concerned and ask if she was burned but when that happens I use that as my opportunity to talk about Vitiligo. I am so shocked at how little people know about it. I want the shirts too :). Where do you get them?
We finally met another lady at a party who had V and she was very happy that she too had seen another person with it. We lost touch at the party, but Im hoping she will find this site ;-)
My daughter has noticed that people will stare at her sometimes, I told her it is because so many people don't know about Vitiligo, not to take it personal, and of course whenever the opportunity presents itself to share with people about V. I want to get the Got SPots shirts as well! :)
If people stare, I would just make them aware of what she has.
I have done this, while we were at the store and there was another kid who was staring. She doesnt mind at all that we talk about it with others. Since they are not aware of what it is, we are the ones who should share otherwise how else would they know? The more people know, the more the world will be to accept it.
Replies
The National Vitiligo Foundation sold the shirts on thier website.
My daughter has noticed that people will stare at her sometimes, I told her it is because so many people don't know about Vitiligo, not to take it personal, and of course whenever the opportunity presents itself to share with people about V. I want to get the Got SPots shirts as well! :)
Good Idea about the Got Spots shirt!!
If people stare, I would just make them aware of what she has.
I have done this, while we were at the store and there was another kid who was staring. She doesnt mind at all that we talk about it with others. Since they are not aware of what it is, we are the ones who should share otherwise how else would they know? The more people know, the more the world will be to accept it.