Preparing for a new school

Jordan and I had her first transition time at her new school today... and for some reason, I wasn't prepared to help teach the class about Jordan's difference. I bought books a year ago. I've saved dozens of accounts from other parents what they did when they brought their child to a new school. But for some reason I didn't think I'd have to work on this presentation to little kids until elementary school. I guess it's just because I didn't really plan to move her to a new school -- the waiting list to get into her new preschool is very long. I didn't see us moving there. I'm thrilled but a little nervous. I want to make sure these kids learn about Jordan, talk about it and move on once they feel informed enough.

So tomorrow I'm taking Jordan to the school after dance class. I'm going to read a book called Harry, Willy and Carrothead. It shows kids how some people stare and say things because of a missing arm and others get it because of the color of their hair. I think we may also talk about how the main teacher in the classroom has glasses and that's how we consider Jordan's prosthetic. It's helpful! Glasses help you see. A prosthetic help you hold onto things and pick things up and even help you from falling! I hope it goes well.

The kids in the classroom were just noticing Jordan's difference - we wore the bouncy hand. Jordan let the small set of kids touch her arm and she didn't mind. But the greatest thing is the kids stopped asking questions when we told them that I'll be back tomorrow to tell them more about Jordan.

Ten Percent Rule

Randy threw this one at me and I think he may be right... I just don't spend time dwelling on it:

Ten percent of parents are totally cool with being around Jordan. They don't care she's missing some of her arm and they just know she's a kid and it's obvious her family loves her. 90 percent of parents don't know what to do so they just kind of ignore the family's existence.

That sucks. But it's true. Randy noticed the 10 percent rule while at swimming lessons yesterday. I think he's right. I wish I could move that to the 90 percent rule but I don't think our culture can handle that.

Speaking of noticing differences... Some of Jordan's friends from school who are six months older started asking me about Jordan's arm. She was wearing a prosthetic that day and we all talked about how Jordan has a smaller arm and the prosthetic helps Jordan get strong. Both kids showed me how they have a big arm. It was sweet and non-judgmental. That made me realize that we're probably only six months away from letting Jordan speak for herself. Six months. That's mind boggling.