Lexa Bergen is the guest this week! She is an amazing photographer, mother of two and simply a very interesting person to talk to! We connected when she asked me about starting a podcast and our conversation quickly turned to the topic of diversity - how people in the community talk to, look at, connect with and treat people who are different from themselves.  (Hint: the golden rule your Grandma taught you is probably all anyone needs). Lexa has a son with special needs so we chat about our gratitude for the medical system in Canada (my oldest has had 2 fairly major surgeries and Lexa and I have both been in and out of Children's Hospital with our kids).   This episode is about how we can see our children for their abilities FIRST and then encourage other people (teachers, friends, strangers) to do the same.  We talk teachers and school and Lexa shares her vision of what she would like inclusion to look like. We discuss what we learn as adults when we take a moment to view life from our children's pure, unbiased, open and loving perspectives.  Also, how allowing your child to see you doing things you love encourages them to do the same-to find something they are passionate about and go for it!  AND THEN Lexa tells the story about when her son read the word fuck at 6 years old-it's hilarious!

Episode Notes:
After the episode, (in case it isn't clear in our conversation), we came up with these ways that you can help your child to speak to anyone who is different from them or someone they are curious about.
****treat them as you would anyone else (the Golden Rule :o)  i.e. do not speak in an overly excited or upbeat voice because the child has special needs.  We can all speak to every 6-year-old in the same manner/tone/voice no matter what their physical appearance or abilities are Allow those around that child (parent, Educational Assistant, child care worker etc.) to step in and help them understand/respond if they need it. 
****if you have a question, ask the child -don't assume they cannot understand or answer you.  This is where we can help our children learn what they CAN do instead of simply staring or asking us (the parent) what they are curious about.  If they say to you "why can't that person just walk, why do they need a wheelchair?" encourage them to ask that person with your help of course! 
****A good way to begin these types of questions is with "I'm curious about ________."
Hope this helps you navigate raising children who remain curious, but are also polite about it - in true Canadian style!!

Lexa's SHE Project is "a project that celebrates you and connects us all."  It is an amazing work of art that I hope to be a part of one day.  She photographs women outside in nature and brings out their beauty in unexpected and wonderful ways.  I personally love her use of water in some of the images-those ones are my favourite!
Website: www.lexasperspective.ca
Instagram: @lexasphoto  @lexasshe
Email: info@lexasperspective.ca