What Every Child Needs

As I've probably mentioned before, I am in college studying Deaf Education.  (For those who aren't exactly sure what that is... It's just Elementary Education but in American Sign Language.)  And Deaf Education, actually is hot debate in the Deaf world right now.  Whether it's better to mainstream students or to send them to a Deaf School.


Yes, I know this is a PKU Blog, but humor me for a moment. 


One of the arguments for Deaf Schools is the fact that kids need a role model.  They need an example of someone like them, who has grow up successfully and done well.  That way they know, that they can be successful and happy too. 


As I've thought about this, I've realized... this goes for everyone.  Every single child needs a role model.  Some one to look up to.  But for now (because you're right this is a PKU Blog) I'll apply this idea to PKU'ers.


Imagine.  You're a child with PKU.  You know there are people out there with PKU like you.  (The doctor told you so.)  But, you've never met another PKU'er.  You have no idea that in some places there is a strong community.  And you have no idea what PKU'ers are capable of, simply because you've never met another PKU'er.  Let alone an adult.


But, imagine.  You have met PKU adults.  You know PKU won't hold you back, because it hasn't held them back.  They follow their diets diligently, making you want to follow yours.  If only to be just like them.  If your a girl, you know PKU Pregnancy is nothing to fear.  That it's possible.  Because you've seen your role models go through it. 


Which picture is better? 


I think that the second one is better.  The first one is more prone to loneliness and the feeling that PKU is holding you back.  That it's hard, and it's a curse.  I'm not saying that it's a definite thing.  But, if in my head it seems more likely.


The PKU community where I live is young.  The activities focus on the young kids, helping them make friends.  Which is great.  They honestly need friends.  And occasionally they'll have a young adult activity.  But, it's not their focus.  I'm lucky.  I have my sister who also has PKU.  But, until I was 14 I had never truly seen PKU adults. 


I'm sure they were there.  I just didn't focus on them.  But, until PKU camp.  I had no idea what a PKU lifestyle would look like when I was an adult.  What it would be like.  It was a mystery.  There were times, when I didn't think having a family was even possible.  I didn't know a lot about PKU Pregnancy.  I had never met anyone who had experienced it.  The idea was really scary to me.


I think, and this is just my opinion, but I think that all PKU communities would be wise to have the kids and the young adults really get to know each other.  I'm not sure how.  But, I am sure that every child needs that example to look towards.  I think with this bond, kids would be able to stay on their diet easier.  Because they have a clue what it will be like when they grow up. 


And they won't be afraid.