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be yours! |
 
I'm
Treated Differently and I Want it to Stop!
I have this
problem: deafness. Many people tease me because of it, and I'm really
sick of it. I didnt choose to be deaf! Some of my teachers treat me
really differently from all the other kids, and I just want to be treated
like a normal kid! What can I do about this? - Claire, 14, USA
"Hey,
Claire!"
I can only imagine
how hard this must be for you to go through all of the teasing you get.
It must also be really tough to be treated differently than all of the
other kids. I think I may have a solution or two to hopefully get your
moods up and for things to be more normal.
As for the kids who tease you, I think a good solution for the teasing
to stop is one of these two options.
1) Ignore them. If you ignore them, then the people who tease you will
believe that it's not bothering you when they tease you. The who point
in teasing you is to get a rise out of you, and if they don't get it,
they'll most likely stop.
2) If option #1 doesn't work, use this. Explain to them about what it's
like to be deaf. Maybe if they understood more about it, they would
stop teasing you. Sure you could be thinking it's really none of anyone
else's business, but maybe they are curious and perhaps their curiousness
constitutes some of the teasing. Explain to them how serious it is.
It might also be a good idea to explain to them how you feel when you
are being teased. Let them know you have feelings too, and your feelings
are hurt when you are being teased. Remember: BE FRIENDLY. Don't start
yelling at them- that'll get you no where. But if you are friendly,
you may even make new friends.
As for the teachers treating you differently, it might also be a good
idea to explain to them how you feel. Tell them that despite your differences,
you want to be treated like a normal kid. Just explain to them whatever
is on your mind and how you feel. I bet you that the teachers will understand
and respect your wishes.
I really hope this helps.
Good luck, Claire!
Whitney,
15, Canada
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