As both a local publisher and a passionate advocate for families navigating limb differences, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful inclusive conversations can be. Whether you’re reading this through Macaroni KID Schaumburg or Limb Difference Collective Foundation, this guide is designed to help you raise kind, curious, and empathetic kids—starting with everyday moments that matter, and coming from a mom who's in the thick of hoping her kid is going to come home from school each day with a smile on her face.
When your child notices someone with a visible difference—like a limb difference—it can spark curiosity, confusion, or even concern. These moments are golden opportunities to teach empathy, respect, and inclusion.
Let’s start off with saying Disability is not a bad word. Some people that have a disability might have different terms to describe their difference, or how they prefer to be identified. Also, not all disabilities are visible. Intellectual, Visual, and Physical Impairments are more common than most realize. Showing respect, keeping communication positive, and the Golden Rule of treating others how you’d like to be treated can open yours and your children’s eyes to a more inclusive community. This guide offers practical talking points and gentle prompts to help you raise kids who are not only curious—but also kind, inclusive, and confident in connecting with others.
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👀 1. Curiosity Is Natural—Kindness Is Key
Kids are observant. They might point out someone’s prosthetic leg or ask why a child has one hand. Instead of shushing them, lean into the moment.
Try saying: “You noticed something different, and that’s okay. Let’s talk about it together.”
Normalize the idea that people have different bodies, abilities, and ways of doing things.
Try saying: “You might meet someone who uses a prosthetic arm or moves a little differently. That’s just one part of who they are.”
💬 2. Keep It Simple and Honest
You don’t need a medical degree to explain disabilities.
Try saying: “Some people are born with one hand or something might have happened where they've lost it. Sometimes they might use a tool to help them do things. Sometimes they might feel more comfortable without their. Everyone’s body is unique, just like yours is to you.”
🗨 3. Model Respectful Language
While it's natural to want to understand what they're seeing, teach your child to avoid staring, touching, pointing, or asking questions in ways that could feel hurtful. While you may feel the urge to stop the action immediately, try to avoid having it come off as a negative. That could increase their confusion or believe that it's not something that should be discussed. Keep it positive.
Try saying: “I see you noticing something curious." "That’s part of their body and we should not touch someone without asking. Their [prosthetic, wheelchair, nubby, etc.] is a part or an extension of their body. We don't want people touching us without asking, right?" "Why don’t we ask them their name, and wait until we know our new friend better—you can always ask me questions, and we can figure out the best way to introduce the topic to them.”
🧠 4. Focus on What People Can Do
Kids often assume that different means “can’t.” Flip the script.
Try saying: “Even if someone doesn’t have all their fingers, they can still swim, draw, or play sports—just in their own way! Why don't you ask them what their favorite game is?”
💞 5. Encourage Empathy and Connection
Help your child imagine how others might feel and how they can show understanding.
Try saying: “You might have a lot of questions about the thing that makes them unique. Let’s get to know more about them before asking roo many questions about their arm. If they want to talk about it more they will when they feel more comfortable with you, too.”
Or: “If a classmate uses one hand to color, maybe you can say, ‘Cool marker!’ or ‘Want to sit by me?’ instead of just asking about their arm.”
🧩 6. Celebrate Differences as Strengths
Frame disability as one aspect of human diversity—not something to be pitied or feared.
Try saying: “Kids with limb differences often figure out amazing ways to do things. That shows creativity and strength! I’ll bet they’ll have some cool ideas for your next project!”
👫 7. Teach Inclusion Through Action
Encourage your child to include others in play, conversation, and activities.
Try saying: “If you’re playing tag, try to find a way for everyone to join in if they are interested. Ask what games they like!”
🎲 8. Offer Ideas for Inclusive Play
Brainstorm with your child about how to invite and include others—especially those who may feel left out.
Try saying: “At recess, think about asking someone new to play that's not playing with anyone.”
Or: “If a friend does something differently, ask how you can help—or just say, ‘Want to join us?’”
🧡 Bonus Tip for Parents
Lead by example. Let your child see you engaging respectfully with people of all abilities. Inclusion starts at home, and even small moments shape their understanding of belonging.
Try saying:
- “Oh cool! Do you see their wheelchair? That’s an important tool that helps them get around!”
- “Do you see something curious? Would you like to introduce yourself to them?”
- “This book looks to be about some people that experience the world a little different than you do. Let’s check it out!”
 Mackenzie & Friend, Author Ryan Haack |
📚 Books That Spark Inclusive Conversations
Here are some of our favorite children’s books that explore disability, difference, and empathy:
| Title | Author |
| Different is Awesome | Ryan Haack |
| Just Ask | Sonia Sotomayor |
| The Skin You Live In | Michael Tyler |
🖍️ Printable Activity: “Kindness Checklist”
 Print and Share |
A Shared Mission for Families
As the publisher of Macaroni KID Schaumburg and co-founder of the nonprofit Limb Difference Collective Foundation, I’m deeply committed to building communities where all children feel seen, celebrated, and included.
This resource is part of a larger effort to help families talk openly about disability, difference, and kindness—with tools that are joyful, practical, and rooted in lived experience. It took some uncomfortable interactions to make it to this point where I welcome the questions and conversations, and am extremely proud of my daughter and her confidence in her physical disability - that is not holding her back one bit! I hope this helps more families feel comfortable in bringing light and positivity to all differences.
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Want more resources on inclusion, kindness, and community? Check out:
• Limb Difference Collective Foundation for advocacy, education, and family support
• Macaroni KID Schaumburg for local events, parenting tips, and inclusive activities
We aim to cover all the best family-friendly events and things to do with kids around Arlington Heights, Bloomingdale, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg and Streamwood. Engage using the buttons below!
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