During National Adoption Awareness Month, we have compiled a number of Ted Talks covering parenting, adoption, differences in ability, and other topics that we think our friends and families will find interesting. Each week, we will post a few suggested talks. We hope that these will pique your interest, illuminate new ideas, and/or get you talking with those around you.
This week’s videos work to reframe our understanding of differences, parenting, and “normal.” We welcome you to engage with the rest of the CH/LSS community by sharing your responses to these videos on our Facebook page.
Ted Talk 1: Love, No Matter What
What is it like to raise a child who’s different from you in some fundamental way (like a prodigy, or a differently abled kid, or a criminal)? In this quietly moving talk, writer Andrew Solomon shares what he learned from talking to dozens of parents — asking them: What’s the line between unconditional love and unconditional acceptance?
Ted Talk 2: How Autism Freed Me to Be Myself
“People are so afraid of variety that they try to fit everything into a tiny little box with a specific label,” says 16-year-old Rosie King, who is bold, brash and autistic. She wants to know: Why is everyone so worried about being normal? She sounds a clarion call for every kid, parent, teacher and person to celebrate uniqueness. It’s a soaring testament to the potential of human diversity.
Ted Talk 3: What Adults Can Learn from Kids
Child prodigy Adora Svitak says the world needs “childish” thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kids’ big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups’ willingness to learn from children as much as to teach.
