Caring for a special-needs child can be a blessing but a journey full of challenges. For instance, your child’s physical, intellectual, or developmental disorders can cause profound prejudice. Research suggests that 15% of enrolled students at public schools have disabilities.
The world is slowly overcoming societal barriers put on these kids. Hence, children with special needs will flourish in the coming years. Reports suggest education systems have understood the importance of not discriminating against special education.
As a parent, you have a significant role in teaching your kids about their disabilities and encouraging friendships. For example, with proper guidance, your child can befriend both non-disabled and disabled kids. Doing so will help them feel confident about their disability and less insecure.
You may have heard caregiving tips like understanding their diagnosis, formulating a plan, spending quality time, and more. Similarly, some underrated ways can help them succeed in life.
In this blog, we will discuss the three uncommon tips to care for your child with special needs.
#1. Develop a Caregiving Team
Not every parent accepts help from medical professionals when caring for a special-needs child. They might think caregivers cannot provide the extent of care your child deserves. However, a caregiving team will support you and help you overcome challenges.
According to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, qualified nurses can offer expert assistance that helps parents navigate through complex situations. For example, you can go to work without worrying about your child’s safety. A caregiving team involves highly trained nurses with medical expertise to help kid. Being able to help everyone is one of the top reasons to become a nurse.
These nurses excel at developing caregiving plans based on your child’s condition. Moreover, their expertise and determination help maintain your child’s well-being.
#2. Encourage Independence
Do you have a parental instinct to do everything for your children with special needs? You help them with daily activities like bathing, eating, studying, etc. However, with age, you must change that habit.
You must teach your child about decision-making and to take responsibility for their actions. Independence will help them perform daily activities without someone’s assistance.
Healthline suggests parents should allow their children to fail and learn from mistakes. Remember to assign chores and let them try new things. You should help them manage their emotions to ensure a positive step towards independence.
#3. Treat the Disability as Natural
Your child with disabilities should be proud of their unique abilities. Statistics suggest that society-induced insecurities are the bane of their daily life. Your kid might be self-conscious about their disabilities. Moreover, they can feel sad about their physical and mental limitations.
Hence, you must teach them that ‘being disabled is okay.’ Give them enough time to follow directions and make transitions. Let them perform tasks and activities that other children do.
For instance, you can take them to an all-inclusive playground and encourage them to play with everyone there. Avoid forcing them to try things they dislike. Hence, it will make your child feel normal.
Self-Care for Parents of Special Needs Children
Reports state that you have immense responsibilities, leading to stress and anxiety. Therefore, you must have emotional perseverance, resourcefulness, and resilience to nurture, empower, and protect your child.
Some obstacles remain invisible, unacknowledged, and hurtful. As the parent of a special-needs child, you are subjected to societal prejudice and peer challenges.
Societal limitations can lead to anger and grief. As a result, this leads to stress and anxiety that affects your ability to care for your child. Hence, you must focus on some self-care tips, like:
- Get professional support from the community or peer groups
- Find time to spend on personal activities that you love
- Invest in respite care services available in your city
- Focus on meditation and counseling for your mental health
Remember to get help from nurses, care providers, family, and friends. Doing so will ensure that your kid gets everything they need.
The Bottom Line
According to WALB News 10, three million children have disabilities. Did you know that accessible public places for disabled individuals is a legal mandate? However, that is not the case in many public playgrounds. Inspired by her son, a mother took it upon herself to build an all-inclusive playground for children with disabilities.
This inspiring story teaches you to overcome all challenges and offer the best care for your child. It involves learning, researching, advocating, paying, and coping. For instance, you can read books and join support groups to enhance your caregiving abilities.
In short, you must do everything to handle the situation calmly and professionally. Never let your kid feel ‘disabled.’ Remember, the change starts at home with proper self-care, support, and love.