by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion National Team
SpoonTheory is an easy-to-understand way to explain how people with chronic illnesses or disabilities manage their energy and resources throughout the day. It's a useful way for scouts to understand why some of their friends might not be able to participate in every activity.
Imagine you start each day with a certain number of spoons.
🥄 These spoons represent the energy you have for the day.For most people, simple tasks like getting dressed, making breakfast, or walking to school don't require much thought and don't cost any spoons. They have a seemingly endless supply.
However, for someone with a chronic illness, every single task, no matter how small, costs a spoon.
- Getting out of bed? That costs a spoon.
- Taking a shower? Another spoon gone.
- Eating breakfast? Yet another spoon.
Every activity, big or small, takes a spoon away from their limited supply.
How it Works
Let's say a person with a chronic illness starts the day with 12 spoons.
- Morning routine (getting up, getting dressed, eating): 3 spoons used.
- Going to school: 2 spoons used.
- Attending class: 4 spoons used.
They only have 3 spoons left for the rest of the day. If they want to join a scouting activity, they have to decide if they have enough spoons left.A campout might cost all their remaining spoons, which means they might have to miss out on other things the next day, like doing homework or hanging out with friends.
Sometimes, a person might "borrow" spoons from the next day todo something important. But this means they will start the next day with even fewer spoons, which can make things really difficult. It's like having a credit card for energy.
Being a Good Friend
Understanding Spoon Theory can help you be a great friend. If a scout you know says they can't do something because they're tired, it's not because they are lazy. They are simply out of spoons. You can help by:
- Not making them feel guilty for not being able to do something.
- Suggesting alternative, less energy-intensive activities you can do together.
- Just being therefor them and listening to what they have to say.
By understanding Spoon Theory, you can be more compassionate and supportive to your friends who face different challenges. It reminds us that everyone’s “normal” is different.
📧 Equity@scouts.ie
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