No matter what is going on in the world or even in my own life, I can always count on the beautiful innocence of a child when I am presenting at an elementary school. They have no filtration system. Whatever thought, idea, or even more powerful, a question, they are going to let it fly. You see, our children on many different levels are fearless and the only thing they are interested in doing is learning more about this wonderful world we live in. They know no boundaries, even when it comes to scouring the earth to find answers when it comes to people with disabilities. So with that being said, drum roll please, as I unveil the Top 10 Most Fascinating Questions I Have Ever Been Asked by a Child!

It happens every once in a while. Just your ordinary therapy session in progress when one word elicits an over-the-top theatrical wide-eyed gasp, disbelieving, as the hand comes up to the mouth just before the words escape. "WHAT?! What did you just say?! I'm sorry, but we don't use that kind of language here." And what triggers this response? A dirty, filthy, four-letter word, "Can't." Positive relationships and positive outcomes are built on positive communication. Qualifying for therapy tends to be deficit-based. Susie can't walk. Susie can't do things that 97% of children her age can do. That may be what the insurance company needs to hear. That information is much less useful to Susie's family and teachers, who want Susie to be functional and successful. When speaking to the people who are supporting her development, we need to speak in a way supportive of her development. They need to know what she can do. They need to know how they can help. "Can" creates. "Can" sparks ideas and conversations. "Can" forces us to think about breaking down activities into their do-able components. "Can" helps us structure our thoughts about where we are now and what comes next. "Can't" is a dead end.   

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