People look different. They act different. They like different things. That is okay. Some differences are easy to see. Some are not.

Hair can be different colors. It can be long or short. Some people are taller. Some are shorter.

Different is not bad. Everyone is different. That is not better. That is not worse. It is just different.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes a grandma or grandpa cares for a child. Sometimes an aunt or uncle does.

Some people use a wheelchair to get from place to place. A disability does not mean a person is sad. It does not mean they cannot do things alone.

Young children usually ask direct questions. They are curious. They do not ask to be mean. A simple, honest answer is best.

It is okay to say, “I don’t know.” You can say, “Let’s find out together.”

Staring is unkind. So is pointing. So is leaving someone out. A respectful question is fine.

Treating someone badly is not okay. Not when they are different. Invite a child sitting alone. Ask the child to join in. That is kind.

A grown-up you trust can help. They can help when someone is unkind. They can help when being different feels hard. A grown-up you trust can help.

Words to know

• wheelchair: chair with wheels
• respectful: kind, polite
• invite: ask to join
• curious: wanting to know