Children sometimes say inappropriate things in public. Working out what is and isn’t acceptable is just a part of growing up.

Holland Backstrom is a sweet little girl who has reached the age where her curiosity knows no bounds.

She asks questions about everything. Holland’s mother, Mary Katherine, thought that the worst possible question that the daughter could ask would be “Where do babies come from?” But then this awkward situation occurred.

For years, Holland and Mary Katherine had been going to one particular Waffle House restaurant in their hometown. They would often meet their favorite server, Mrs. Cynthia, while they were there.

That day, they arrived, and Mrs. Cynthia sat the two mother and child at their favorite booth. When the mother and daughter had looked at the menu, Mrs. Cynthia returned to take their order.

That was when Holland asked the awkward question: “Mrs. Cynthia, why is your skin so dark?”

The mother looked horrified at her daughter. Of course, Holland had no idea how inappropriate that kind of question was, but it still made Mary Katherine look like a bad parent.

Luckily, Mrs. Cynthia didn’t take offense. She knew that the child was merely trying to work out the world.

And she had the perfect response: “Because God made everyone different! Isn’t that wonderful?”

Holland appreciated the answer.

The child’s mother then took to social media to talk about the importance of explaining to children how the world is in an appropriate way.

In particular, she explained that it’s important to teach children to appreciate the things that make people unique. That means respecting diversity and differences and not ignoring them. This can apply to race as well as nationality, accents, religious beliefs, sexuality or even just eye color.

It can be a challenge to teach children about the differences that we all have. But parents need to approach these discussions by stressing that the most important point is that it’s ok to be different.

We do not live in a perfect society. But the only way to make progress is to teach others that diversity is an important fact of life. Of course, children will sometimes say inappropriate things. But if you teach them to respect other people’s differences, then they are sure to grow up into caring, well-rounded individuals.

Sadly, Mrs. Cynthia’s wise words need to be explained to many adults today.

Not everyone was told in childhood that it’s ok for someone to be different. There is still too much racism, too much prejudice in the world. But stories like this show that it falls to all of us to make it better. When our children and grandchildren ask these questions, we shouldn’t say “don’t ask that.” Instead, we should explain that it’s ok to be different and that inside, we are all humans.

Mrs. Cynthia, Holland and Mary Katherine will hopefully remain friends for many years. They have already been through a lot.

Mary Katherine has overcome a battle with breast cancer. Throughout this experience, Mrs. Cynthia was there to offer support, praying and helping the young mother in any way she could. And Mrs. Cynthia’s adult son has had his own health troubles. Mary Catherine also offered emotional and physical support throughout this crisis.

If only everyone could be like the three people in this story!

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Source: Love What Matters