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MedHelp Member's Question

CP Child Doesn't Know His Own Strength

by Carol 1, Dec 10, 2007 08:00PM
Our neighbor's 16 year old son has CP and is severely handicapped.  When he greets me in the yard or at home he hugs me so hard that he cracked one of my ribs a few weeks ago.  I couldn't tell my dear friend as I know she would be devastated.  Any suggestions for how to hug this wonderful child without having him break my rib?

Thanks everyone!

Carol
Member Comments (2)

by scaredoldgirl, Dec 12, 2007 09:53PM
To: Carol 1
Just tell him to ease up a little because he's squeezing too hard...like you would anyone else! If you don't tell him, how will he know? Don't be afraid you're going to insult a person with a disability for reasons that may have nothing to do with his disability. Don't let a person get away with hurting you just because he has CP! If you were to make a negative comment about the way he walks...yes, that would be inappropriate...but to aks him to not hug you too hard is not out of line...he's a human being...and I'm sure he would benefit by learning how to give softer hugs.

by Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD, Jan 05, 2008 11:17AM
To: Carol 1
Hello.

How is your rib ? Have you recovered ?

The suggestion by scaredoldgirl is absolutely correct. Since he is 16, he will be able to understand your assertive gesture. Another care you can take while hugging is let his arms be on your shoulders. He can not obviously hurt your neck.

I appreciate your concern about the kid. But I think after your recovery, you should speak to his mother and inform her about this incidence. She will take care such a thing does not happen with any other person.

Regards
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