47. Sharing Our Script: How To Respond To Unsolicited Comments and Questions

I'm an inquisitive person. I'm also nosy. I like to know things about people. But, I'm not a jerk about it. I don't make unwelcome comments about people I don't know or ask them personal questions. So why do some people feel it's okay to cross that line when it comes to disabled children? I've been asked, "What's wrong with her?" and "Why does she talk like that?" and other equally rude questions about Avery's disabilities many times. I don't anticipate that will stop any time soon, so we've come up with a "script"—a set of rehearsed comebacks for occasions when we feel like responding. We don't always. But when a question comes out of a place of curiosity, not cruelty, sometimes we decide to respond to possibly move the conversation forward in a positive way. Other times we decide it's none of their damn business and walk away. Depends on the day.  In this episode we share some of the rude, ignorant and insensitive comments we've heard over the years and then explain how we decide whether or not to respond and what our script might say.  * Content Warning: Sensitive Topics and some adult language  Links mentioned in this episode: Lucy on Instagram is @_peas.in.a.pod Lauren Lowery on Instagram is @lauren_nia_lowery and her podcast is called, Overcome the Overwhelm **** This podcast was recorded in Garageband and edited by Lisa Thornbury. Read more and find the transcript for this episode at averybrightlife.com. And, come chat with us on social! No seriously, c'mon over! It's fun there. Instagram: @LisaThornbury Facebook: aVERY Bright life Twitter: @LisaThornbury Questions or Partnership Inquiries: [email protected] Have a comment, question, episode suggestion or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Message us old-timey style by commenting on our podcast page. Or show us your techie and leave an AUDIO message via the Anchor messaging button! We might even use your voice message in an upcoming episode! Thanks for listening. 💜 **** Keywords for searchy-ness: disability, disabled kids, developmental disabilities, intellectual disability, parenting, special needs, epilepsy, seizures, hypotonia, chromosome disorder, speech delay, end ableism, disability family, parenting podcast, mother daughter podcast, kid podcaster