About a month ago, I asked Mia how school was on that day. In her normal way, she told me all she had done, and who she played with through out the day. At one point, she started to tell me that she was at the top of the slide, and one of the older kids said "Hey, Chinese girl come down the slide". She seemed a little sad while telling me this. I quickly thought what to say to her, then it hit me. I said to her, "Did someone really say that?". She sadly replied, "yes". I then said to her. " You are so lucky! No one every says, Hey, Manistee boy, come on over here, or something like that. You are lucky, Mia". A few seconds past, as she thinks about it, and starts to smile. With a big smile on her face, she calls out to me, " Hey, Manistee boy, lets go play!"
By just turning the issue around, I was able to make her feel happy about the event, and help build confidence in herself and her heritage. It was perhaps the best reaction I have ever had, in helping deal with a problem. It really hurt me to hear what that kids had said, but Mia is very strong, and I know Ann and I will help give her the tools to deal with issues like this.
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