Remember you are not the only one alone, if you have a child with a disability. In USA alone millions of families are raising children who are differently abled. The word disability seems a little bit inappropriate as no one likes to introduce him as a disabled one. But technical purpose here we are using disability rather than differently abled.
What Parents Can Do
If you are a parent or someone who has a close relationship with the disabled child it is crucial for you to follow these simple tips before approaching him.
Find programs to help your child-There are thousands of programs relevant to your child’s disabilities if you can do a one hour internet search.
Talk to your family about how you’re feeling and talk to other parents of children with disabilities-This actually reduces the stress and worries of being a parent of a disabled child.
Learn as much as you can about your child’s disabilities. Be aware about your current situation so you know how they think feel and see the world around them.
Join a support group to get real world practical advice and ideas on what you can do to help yourself and your child through day to day life.
Stick to a daily routine- Don’t go beyond the standards, always follow the recommended schedule by a doctor or physiotherapist if not altered by the adviser.
Take good care of yourself-Don’t over estimate about your ability in contrast to your child’s disability.
“Self-determination” is one of the important qualities you need to nurture in your child as children who broaden this quality owns a sense of self-control over their lives and what is more they can set goals, work and achieve them. Although this quality is important for every child, researchers have revealed that disabled children who encompass high levels of self-determination are more likely to be successful with being adults.
Helping the the child overcome disabilities
Follow these tips that will help your child become self-determined:
Offer your child opportunities to make decisions in spite of their deficit and encourage your child to communicate their wants and wishes as early as possible. Though it may be a little nerve wrecking, practice your child to let go little by little and push your child into the outside world.
Lead your child toward solving their own problems themselves even with their disabilities. As an example, if your child got a school math problem as homework, offer a listening ear and analyze possible solutions.
There are early intervention services that try to address your disabled child’s needs and the needs of your families. Normally, the sooner problems are addressed, the better and efficient the outcome. For instance, there are physical therapy programs for children with cystic fibrosis, nutrition advice for parents or sign language lessons for a deaf child.
The Bottom Line
So as the bottom line, preparing your child for changes in routines gradually with the proper guidance; ensuring your child’s safety in every day to day activity they involve; expecting some regression and trying to deal with harsh behaviors consistently and calmly will help your child place a better anticipation; a spark in the eyes of sparkles generation.
The following was a post by Sarah Jo Lorenz-Coryell
