Children with special needs, require special attention and extra support as compared to their peers. Additionally, kids, as well as parents, need to deal with the surrounding, adjust and adapt to it. Even people and peers of kids with special needs don’t necessarily understand them and can be non-empathetic to them. At times many kids with special needs are disobedient and hard to manage. Here are a few tips that could help you manage your teen kids in a better way.
Believe – Believing is primary. If you believe in your kids, others automatically will. If you don’t, don’t expect others to. Your child could be angry or disobedient but you need to believe that your kid is doing his/her best.
Don’t assume – If you have any questions ask them, but do not assume. Assumptions around the special needs of your child. If your child has a physical disability do not assume that it means that the child has mental too.
Promote Independence – Don’t assume that kids with special needs are unable to make decisions without help. As far as possible let them be on their own wherever they can. Ask if they need help before helping them out with daily chores. Guide them in being independent. Like for example when you put clothes on them, ask them which shirt they would prefer to wear, by giving them small options. This way you help them make their own decisions.
Foster their Strengths – Every child is unique and even children with special needs have their own strengths. As a parent try to recognize their strengths and foster them as you would do for a normal child.
All Friendships – Encourage your child to have friendships with everyone irrespective of whether their friends are challenged or not. Just take care that other friends treat your child properly and not poorly.
Well, managing teens without disabilities can be a daunting task, then obviously, parenting teens with special needs can be even more taxing, but with a few tips and points in mind, you can make the work easier.
*Sourced from Internet
