Little People

Kimmie has been the smallest in our family for a long time. She has also been the smallest in her school classes for many years.

She's so used to being the smallest that she's not sure what to do with people littler than her.

Generally she keeps her distance from kids. If there are a lot of kids playing somewhere, she will just watch and not go close. If there are just a couple, she might get closer. She never approaches them or tries to play with them, but she might want to play with one of the toys.

She likes to go to playgrounds. She doesn't "play" much at them. Usually she takes the steps up to a spot where she can look around, and then she watches the children. If they get too close to her, she gets anxious. I think the reason they bother her is because they move quickly and sometimes abruptly, darting here and there. It may make her feel like she could lose her balance as they run around her.

She's the same way with animals. Dogs and cats move too quickly and in unpredictable ways. Larger animals, like horses, don't move so suddenly. She's afraid of dogs and cats, but fine with horses.

Sometimes children approach Kimmie. This really gets her aggitated. She doesn't have a clue what to do with children who try to talk to her. She's not sure what they are going to do or what they want. Often children will watch Kimmie, curious about her, especially when they see her signing.

I always feel sorry for the kids who want to be Kimmie's friend. It's hard for them to understand that she's not comfortable with them.

--Mom