Note that these comments represent the opinion of the writer and not an expert opinion. It is provided as one viewpoint and the information should be used as only that. Your comments and feedback as always are appreciated.

Your child is starting school, and you want to be proactive.

When your child is starting school - be it preschool, kindergarten or any grade - and she has a limb difference that makes her different from the other children, as a parent you are bound to worry a bit more than usual. You might have several goals:

One suggested method to deal with your child's start of school is to distribute an introductory letter to the student's parents.  In the letter, you might introduce your child and their limb 'difference', explain to parents how they might address the issue with their child, and offer guidance as to what is to be expected from your child - in particular that they are no more different than anyone else is different.  You might wish to have parents explain what is acceptable and what is not in terms of dealing with the limb difference. And most importantly, you want them to get across to the classmates that the limb difference is nothing to be afraid of; nor is it painful, shameful, or gross.

Our proposed letter is attached.  (It came in large part from another found on the internet). Click on the web-viewing option to view or print from your browser, or click on the MS Word option to download and customize with your own style.

Another suggestion is to work to minimize the transitions your child will face from school year to school year.  Early introduction into a preschool program with a progression into kindergarten and elementary school with the same group of students will allow your child to establish friendships throughout school. This will limit the amount of questions and uncertainty surrounding his or her limb differences each year. The best way for your child to be comfortable with fellow students and avoid being judged by new students is to surround them with their established friends.

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