Parenting for Children with Disabilities
Having a child with disabilities can put stress in or add pressure to any relationship. That is why it’s important for families not only to be strong for their little one, but also for their entire family. The initial step to coping is by learning.
What are the causes?
There are various causes that could trigger disabilities. Really premature birth is one of the more prevalent causes. Premature births rob children the opportunity of fully developing in their mother’s wombs. It’s important to note that this doesn’t apply for every case. Another prevalent cause is brain injuries or infection. This could occur before, during, or after birth. A mother’s health through having a baby may also lead to such disabilities. This is why it’s important for mothers to seek proper pre-natal care. Irregularities in chromosomes and genes also have proven to be another cause.
What are its different manifestations?
Developmental disabilities manifest in various forms. Included in this are mental retardation, autism, and Down syndrome. In many instances, signs won’t be immediately obvious. Most signs come gradually and become more obvious as the child grows up.
When parents first realize that their baby could have a disability, the emotions could be overwhelming. Some declare that the pain is nearly comparable to experiencing a major loss. And it’s difficult to blame them for feeling like this. Hope in humanity would have us feel that all parents only want the best for their child/children. They’ve got every right to be sad considering the fact that a lot of the dreams they had was destroyed.
Parents ought to ready themselves because nurturing a child with special needs could be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. Feelings of fear, grief, and sadness can come up time and again. In addition to a roller coaster of emotions, parents might often find themselves asking “Why?”
One more thing parents must be ready to face is the society’s attitude towards children and people with special needs. Even though the attitude continues to improve over the years, negative views remain. Remember that a lot of people in society will see the child as incompetent or incapable. Sadly, children with disabilities are at greater risk to suffer from bullying and teasing.
If you encounter this, keep your head held high. Tell your child about their condition when you feel they can understand and cope with it. It could take a while, so be patient. It’s also important to remember that you’re not alone. There are numerous places for you to get assistance or help. Children with disabilities shouldn’t be bound to sheltered, isolated lives. Let them grow as individuals by exposing them to society. It’s not about the abilities that a person has, but the quality of the lives they have. Understand that even with disabilities, they can lead happy, healthy lives.
Mary Jones is a pediatrician who has worked with many kids who have developmental disabilities. To know more about it and what you can do to help your child, read up on children with disabilities.
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