My Sister needs help?

Question

My Sister was born mentally handicapped and she is very concious about herself. People stare at her when we go out and it makes her feel uncomfortable. I want her to lead a normal happy life. I see her as normal. How can I make her feel better?

Answer 1

You have posed such a difficult question to answer. I have two children that have handicaps/anomalies, and like you, I have always seen them as beautiful and special people and have never thought of treating them differently that anyone else. What we think is our choice, when you speak about others it becomes more difficult because we cannot chose the thoughts, opinions or expressions of others. I have tried many things to end what is basically discriminatory behaviour toward the handicapped but often people don't like it when you point out that they are behaving in a non-human manner toward someone else, especially a handicapped person and they become very defensive and even aggressive, verbally. My present predisposition toward dealing with the problem you are describing is to ensure that my handicapped children know that they are loved and cherished as they are and that those people who have less than polite reactions toward them are the ones with the problem. People are often afraid of things they don't know about and react in an inappropriate fashion because they are uncomfortable when faced with these kinds of challenges. It is really unfortunate that for far too many conditions, there are not awareness programmes or info-commercials that raise the awareness of the general population about various conditions and also how those with them feel when not understood and accepted. So the overall solution to this picture is lobbying associations representing the handicapped to put out more in education about conditions and on how people with conditions are affected when they are not allowed to live in the world with the same respect as others. I hope that you will contact the association representing your sister's handicap and ask that they do an awareness campaign. Only through education and public campaigns can the lives of the handicapped be changed through sensitizing the population at large. Thank you for your question. It is a very important one. And, I feel where your heart is coming from. I am sure that your sister knows how much you love and care for her. You are both incredibly lucky to have each other, love each other and care for each other. A uniquely happy life is for everyone!!!

Answer 2

First of all don't get into it too much. Treat her normally and when people hurt her, you tell her that there are mean people that aren't her friends that are going to be cruel.

Dont' make a big deal and get dramatic when people are cruel. Try to get her to ignore it and move on.

Answer 3

tell your sister that she is special and that not everyone is not the same and people in this world are so mean sometimes to special people .remind her that she is love alot of people and you all are lucky to have a special person like her in your alls life .good luck and my prayers are with her and your family

Answer 4

just reassure her that its okay that she is beautiful and their probably wondering were she got her cool top from. and tell her that their are people out there that dont care how she looks, they will/do like her for who she is on the inside a fun love able girl.

Answer 5

tell her not to care that people stare. your sister is special and unique. let her know that.

Answer 6

just keep encouraging her and loving her. she is no different than the rest of us

Answer 7

just try to talk to her, people are ignorant and that will never change...kick their asses if you must

Answer 8

you cant. people will always stare.

Answer 9

ppl are cruel