It's normal and healthy for kids to be curious about the world around them, including other people's appearances. However, staring at people is usually considered rude, and kids may be inclined to stare at people with facial differences. Some people are born with facial differences, and other people develop them through life circumstances. No matter the reason for a person's facial differences, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Kids' books can help children understand facial differences by explaining the following concepts:

1. Some people are born looking different

Understanding the reason for facial differences can help children make sense of them. Books about facial differences can explain genetic conditions to children in language that they can understand. Just like some people are born with black or blond hair, other people are born with facial differences. Comparisons like these can make the concept easy for kids to grasp.

2. People with facial differences are the same as everybody else

Kids may be frightened by things that are outside the ordinary. Young children may experience fear upon encountering someone with facial differences. However, children's books about facial differences can help kids understand that people with facial differences are just like everyone else. This concept can be a good introduction to a larger conversation about equality. 

3. Singling people out for their facial differences can make them feel bad

It's normal to be curious about other people, but treating people differently due to their facial differences can make them feel bad. Books about facial differences can explain this to children. For example, a book may invite your child to think of a time when they were singled out. The chances are good that this experience did not make your child feel good. By relating your child's experiences to the experiences of people with facial differences, books can teach kids to have a greater sense of empathy. Kids will learn that it's never appropriate to stare, laugh, or point at people who look different than they do.

4. It is sometimes appropriate to respectfully inquire about a person's facial differences

While rudeness is never acceptable, it's sometimes okay to ask questions about people's facial differences. Children's books about facial differences can help kids understand when this might be appropriate. For example, it's usually not okay to ask personal questions to strangers, but kids may respectfully ask questions to friends and family members if they're okay with it.

Look for a facial differences understanding kid's book to teach your child about facial differences. 

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