INCLUSION • CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Their Version of Fun Counts, Too ❤️
Picture a room full of children playing.
One is running from activity to activity. Another is quietly building something in the corner. One is watching from the sidelines, and another is completely fascinated by how the wheels on a toy spin.
Which child is playing correctly?
All of them.
We have a habit of imagining what fun should look like.
Smiling. Laughing. Joining the group. Participating in the activity exactly as it was designed.
But enjoyment doesn't always look the same from one child to another.
Some children seek movement, sound and excitement. Others feel most comfortable with predictability, quieter environments or extra time to observe before joining.
Some communicate their excitement with words. Others show it through movement, expressions, gestures or focused attention.
Different doesn't mean less meaningful.
And inclusion is about more than opening the door and saying everyone is welcome.
It's thinking about whether children can actually participate in ways that work for them.
Can a child take a break? Is there a quieter option? Can an activity be adapted? Is there room for someone who needs additional time, physical access or a different way to communicate?
Belonging shouldn't require everyone to do the same thing.
As parents, caregivers and community members, we can make a difference simply by becoming more curious and less judgmental.
Because every child deserves opportunities to experience joy, connection and discovery in a way that respects who they are. ❤️
