Yesterday The Potty Rocker received an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Being that The Potty Rocker rolls through the challenge of stinky stuff all the time, we were more than happy to do some ice dumping - Potty Rocker style. See HERE.
In case you didn't know, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Currently, there is no cure for ALS. This is an intense disease and there's not much glamor around it, but you owe it to your kiddos to let them know that their voice(s) are helping to advocate for those living with ALS. That's something they should understand and be proud of. Learning about advocating for others at a young age is instrumental in a child's developing sense of character and even self-worth. This is an opportunity to turn something that really stinks into something that can be empowering.
How to talk with your kiddo about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge:
1. Be honest. When your little one asks what ALS is you don't have to get all Professor Science, but you do need to have an answer. Use language they can understand and tell the truth. Something like, "ALS is a disease that starts in a person's brain. The brain tells the body to stop sending nourishment to the muscles. You know how you need to eat healthy foods so you will grow strong? People who have ALS can eat all those healthy foods, but their brain doesn't tell their body to feed their muscles, so their muscles become smaller and weaker. People with ALS have a difficult time doing everyday things like breathing, walking, running, and lifting things because their brain sends messages to their bodies muscles to stop working. Over time the body becomes paralyzed, which means that the muscles no longer work. However, someone with ALS, still sees, hears, smells, and feels touch."
2. Ask questions. It's okay to be human with your kiddos. After explaining ALS to your child, ask them if they have any questions about it. Keep an open dialogue with your child. Don't give ALS the power to silence anyone. Talk about it.
3. Ease fear. When you talk to your children about major illnesses, a common misconception with kiddos is that they can "catch" the disease. Children often wonder if they can "catch" cancer or ALS. When you talk with them about ALS, even if they don't ask, assure them that they can't catch it.
4. Get involved. Beyond the viral dumping of ice water, there are many ways to get involved with ALS. There are local chapters and national walks. There are fundraisers and ways to advocate for people with ALS.
5. Show empathy. There are real people out there battling this disease. While the ice bucket challenge is surely a phenomenon, the people living with ALS are fighting an incredible fight. As one person with ALS invites others to engage in everyday acts walking a mile in his shoes. If you child wants to explore this, some of his ideas are to: 1) pick up a 10-pound weight and pretend it's your fork. Move it from your plate to mouth without shaking; 2) Sit in a chair for 15 minutes moving nothing but your eyes; 3) Put two large marshmallows in your mouth and try to have a conversation; 4) strap weights to your ankles and climb a flight of stairs.
6. Give thanks. Help your child see all the wonderful things his body can do. Point out the little things that seem tough in a day and show her how easy it is because she can move her body. Give thanks for the ability to move your feet to walk and move your arms to hug.
The Potty Rocker's word to the wise: Think before you dump. Ignorance stinks, so get schooled on the cause at: www.alsa.org
Nicole and Lydia
To learn more about how to talk with children about ALS, visit HERE.
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