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Children with Special Needs:
Raising young ones will mostly depend on family's personal beliefs about child raising. In child raising the issues will be same for a normal child and a child with disability, as they go through usual childhood stages; though they may be a little slower. Even though parents believe that all children should be treated the same, it is not true when it comes to reality; because different children, even infants, react differently to different situations.
We encourage a shy child to be bold; likewise a child with special needs also has to be encouraged to do activities, which they can perform though they may take a bit longer.
Perhaps some of the most encouraging words for parents come from children with disabilities, whose experiences and feelings are described in numerous books.
Fourteen-year-old Sarah says that despite her artificial leg " my parents sent me to a regular nursery school, to swimming lessons and camp ... everything other kids did... I think my family's encouragement has a lot to do with the fact that I have such a positive attitude. They never sat me in front of the TV or stopped me from doing anything I wanted to try. They gave me a normal childhood "
Robert who has cerebral palsy remembers that his mother said to him one day
"Robert, why don't you focus on what you can do instead of what you can't do?" Robert said, "My biggest turning point... I took off like a rocket!" (Kriegsman, Zaslow, D'Zmura - Rechensteiner, 1992; p. 43-44)
Seek assistance of other parents: Try to find another parent or a parent helper of a child with disability. They can provide information on various programs available, sources and its benefits.
Speak to other members of the family: Talk to your spouse. The more couples can communicate at difficult times, the greater their collective strength become. Since each person approaches their role as parents differently, talking with other parents including your own parents and friends can help.
Do not be scared:
Many parents feel inadequate in the presence of doctors or paramedics because of their professional manner or qualifications. It is important for you to learn as much as you can about your child's situation, so do not be intimidated by their education background. If you hear a new word or a term the doctor uses that you don't understand do not be hesitant to ask what it means, it is important for you to know the accurate information. Ask all that you need to know about your child's condition. Asking appropriate questions will be your first step in beginning to understand more about your child.
Show your emotions:
Many parents, especially fathers, feel that it is a sign of weakness to let people know how they feel. It is very important to recognize your emotions and learn to tackle it. By acknowledging and working through your negative feelings, you will be better equipped to meet new challenges and your negative emotions will no longer drain your energies and initiative.
Keep In Touch with Reality:
To accept life the way it is stay in touch with reality. Some things can be changed while other cannot be. Learn the things that can be changed and set about doing that.
A positive attitude will be one of the important tools for dealing with problems. Focusing on positive side diminishes the negatives and makes life easier to deal with.
Find programs for the child:
The programs should support the following:
• Ensure that your child has opportunities to develop social skills
• To teach the child to be responsible for his or her own personal needs (this of course depends on the child)
• Help the child to develop self-determination and self-advocacy skills
Love and enjoy your child. The child comes first. Your child is first and foremost. It's true that your child's development may be different from that of other children.
But this does not make your child less important; or is in less need of your love and parenting. It helps to know that these feelings have been experienced by many other parents and that understanding and constructive help are available to you and your child. Always remember that you are not alone.
Dr. Raouf Roshdi, Managing Director, WAW Health
