My daughter has Erb's Palsy?

Question

My daughter, who is 12 , has Erb's Palsy and has partial paralysis in her left arm. I am worried because she is going to start jr. high next year. Right now she is in a small private school and the kids don't tease her about it but next year she wants to go to public school. Everyone says it's not noticable, but I think they are just being nice. Although her left arm measures at the same length as her right it looks shorter and it is especially noticable when she runs. She is a great kid and doesn't let it hold her back, she plays basketball on her school's team and is awesome! She was also a cheerleader last year. But public school with a bunch of 12-13 year old kids is a whole different situation. I have been worried about this since the day she was born. She's had 2 surgeries and countless hours of occupational therapy but nothing has helped. Does anyone have experience with this? What do I say to her if someone makes fun of her? I want to shelter her forever but I know I can't.

Answer 1

I know the fact that she has this difficulty makes it a sensitive subject.  All I can tell you is to remember 12 and 13, even for those of us who did not have the difficulties you describe.  Even if you are "normal" (and by that I mean a child who does not have any physical challenges), that age of kids will find something to ridicule and tease about.  It might be freckles, for me, it was my smile (they said I smiled so big you could count all my teeth! LOL) or clothes, tallness, hair, glasses, ears.. I mean they are just kind of cruel at that age.  Just say to her what you would if they teased her about anything else.  The truth is at that age, children make fun of eachother in order to make their own selves feel better as they are so insecure about their own faults.  

And on the other hand, some children are incredibly giving and form strong friendships without regard for these individualities.  She'll have plenty of friends.  

It sounds like your daughter has a wonderful mother that will help her through

Answer 2

Let her go. She wants to be a normal kid. One of my friends named Sean, has Cerebral Palsy , he went to public school forever and all the children loved him. When he got his talking machine people cheered. They will love your daughter for herself and not hate her because of her disability. To me, well, she sounds normal. She wants this and no matter what happens....you'll be there for HER

Answer 3

Sounds like a great kid.........she will find friends and jerks in the new school.just like where she is now...............give love when she needs it.............and let her tough it out.There will be more friends than jerks.................