Please welcome author Kim Hix to the blog today. Her book brings to light a very important issue about children who face challenges of all sorts. Thank you Kim for sharing your time with us here.

Patience, understanding, love, acceptance are gifts we all need from each other but they are specially important for children with disabilities, of any kind. It is difficult to ignore rude, hurtful comments, to be left out and laughed at. Unfortunately this is a common childhood occurrence, however on a more frequent and constant basis for children who are different. Children who are already fragile due to any kind of illness, disability or impairment are easy targets for those who are stronger and more confidant. Self esteem is something we all have whether it be high or low, and how we perceive ourselves, abilities and worth are all too often dependant on others. My wish is that we teach our children and ourselves to accept differences and embrace the individuality that we all have, to see beyond any physical, mental or emotional challenges. If you are a parent of a “high spirited, intense child” as I am, academically, socially and emotionally challenged; you have most likely heard some of the same accusations I have from parents of “perfect ” children who do no wrong, who respond to their parents every command on queue, perfectly behaved and well mannered, who excel in sports and academics. I do not harbor resentment because there child may be everything mine is not, they are simply different, with gifts that may be harder to find to others, but not to me. My hope and prayer is that the people in general open their minds and come to realize that children like mine, and millions more ,who suffer with these illnesses, are not bad kids, not evil or purposefully oppositional, but are lovable, kind, funny, smart and full of promise as is every other child. Yes, they may do things differently, loudly, extremely,and outrageously. They need to be given understanding, reassurance, patience, acceptance and compassion.The subject of mental illness is sometimes difficult for people to discuss, especially if it affects our children. Unfortunately it is very widespread, and misunderstood. My hope is that the world will soon become more understanding and tolerant of those among us that may seem “different” . It is easy to be afraid of actions and behaviors that we do not understand. Those children who suffer usually do so quietly, afraid and fearful of feelings they do not themselves understand and afraid to speak openly about what they may be going through. I applaud your willingness to host us and give me the opportunity to scream “it’s ok” if you are not perfect, if your child is not perfect. My hope is that through this blog tour our mission and book will catch the attention of those children and parents who need to hear this message, to offer comfort , encouragement and the realization they are not alone.

“This is why I wrote a book for Zack and kids like him, who struggle with feelings of being different. It is my hope that this story will offer some measure of comfort and belonging to the children who read it.”

Author’s Websites:

Kim’s website is Intense Kids, Great Kids.
You can purchase “No One is Perfect and YOU are a Great Kid” from www.amazon.com.
You can check out reader reviews here.