Raising children with disabilities
Raising Children with Disability
Focus on your child's abilities and strengths
Every child has unique talents and potential, regardless of their disability. By focusing on what your child can do, rather than what they can't, you can help them build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem. You can also use their strengths to help them overcome their challenges and learn new skills. For example, if your child is good at drawing, you can use art as a way to express their feelings, communicate their needs, or practice their fine motor skills.
Encourage play and friendship
Play is essential for every child's growth and learning. It helps them develop social, emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities. It also gives them joy and fun. Children with disability can benefit from playing with other children, both with and without disability. They can learn from each other, share experiences, and form meaningful bonds. To help your child play well with others, you may need to teach them some skills such as listening, sharing, cooperating, and taking turns. You may also need to find accessible and inclusive play spaces and activities that suit your child's needs and interests.
Seek support and information
Raising a child with disability can be demanding and stressful at times. You don't have to do it alone. There are many sources of support and information available for parents of children with disability. These include:
- Professional services such as doctors, therapists, educators, and counsellors who can provide diagnosis, treatment, advice, and guidance for your child's condition.
- Government programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that can provide funding and access to various supports and services for your child and family.
- Community organisations such as Raising Children Network ¹ or UNICEF ² that can offer online resources, tips, stories, and forums for parents of children with disability.
- Peer groups such as parent associations or support groups that can connect you with other families who share similar experiences and challenges. You can exchange information, advice, emotional support, and friendship.
Take care of yourself and your family
As a parent of a child with disability, you may put a lot of time and energy into caring for your child. But you also need to look after yourself and your own well-being. Taking care of yourself can help you cope better with stress, stay healthy, and enjoy life more. Some ways to practice self-care include:
- Getting enough rest and sleep
- Eating well and staying hydrated
- Exercising regularly
- Doing things that make you happy and relaxed
- Seeking help when you need it
- Setting realistic goals and expectations
- Celebrating your achievements and progress
You also need to take care of your relationships with other family members, such as your partner or spouse, your other children, or your extended relatives. They may also have their own feelings and needs related to your child's disability. You can strengthen your family bonds by:
- Communicating openly and honestly
- Sharing responsibilities and tasks
- Spending quality time together
- Showing appreciation and affection
- Resolving conflicts constructively
- Seeking family counselling if needed
Raising a child with disability can be a rewarding but challenging journey for anyone. But by focusing on your child's abilities and strengths, encouraging play and friendship, seeking support and information, and taking care of yourself and your family, you can make the most of it.
Summary: This blog article provides tips and resources for parents of children with disability on how to support their child's development, well-being, and inclusion, and how to take care of themselves and their family.
