Relative or Friend's Special
Needs Child - Parent's PerspectivesHere are some ways that
parents describe how to view their children with special needs - and how to view them as their child's mom
and dad.
See their child as an individual
Parents of children with
special needs wish that people would view their disabled child as a child like
any other, and not as some alien being. Each person in the world is unique.
Every person has "special needs". See the child first, and his needs
second.
Don't minimize their child's
needs by matching them with stories about the needs of your typically
developing child. Parents are sensitive to the fact that while your child will
quickly outgrow certain challenges, these will take much more time and effort
for their child. Respect their situation as unique.
Their child is not breaking news
Show caring interest, but
don't pester parents for details about their disabled child that they may not
feel comfortable sharing. You would not delve into the private lives of typically developing
children. Try to read cues
to judge how much parents of special needs children feel like sharing.
A sensitive area
Parenting a special needs
child is similar to having an open wound. If you touch this area carelessly, it
hurts. Mothers and fathers may react by jumping at you. Speak to mothers and
fathers of kids with special needs, but with sensitivity. Always add an extra
measure of gentleness when approaching the topic of their disabled child.
It may take a stretch of
imagination to realize that a child's tantrum may be due to a medical
condition, and not to the parents' excessive permissiveness. Moments of meltdown may not
be the best time for discipline.
The child needs
understanding - not punishment or stern words. You may not see a child's
disability because it may be a hidden one. Assume that the deeper factor of a
medical condition may exist.
Don't tell parents how special they are
Parents of children with
special needs consider themselves to be just like you. They woke up one morning
to find that their child has a disability. These men and women don't feel
especially well equipped to deal with it. If you put them on a pedestal, you
distance yourself from them. That makes them feel lonely. They are real. Treat parents
of disabled children as normal people who are dealing with something really,
really heavy. Recognizing the intensity of their emotions is supportive.
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