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How to Parent Children with Disabilities

All children, including those with disabilities, need love, respect, nurturing, and time.

1. Keep your child safe.

  • Keep emergency contact numbers where you can easily see it, like on the refrigerator

2. Be supportive, empathetic, and loving.

  • Your child may not have the same support they usually have, and this can lead to additional challenges such as increased stress, anxiety and frustration
  • Use physical and verbal support to make your child feel accepted and loved
  • Positive body language gestures, and words make a big difference!

3. Communicate with your child.

  • Get down to your child’s level when communicating with your child
  • Maintain eye contact and a positive attitude
  • Take your time to allow your child the space to communicate
  • Observe, listen to, and confirm that you understand your child

4. Reinforce the positive.

  • Reinforce your child’s strengths with praise and highlight their abilities rather than the things they cannot do
  • Only help children when they need it. Too much support denies them the chance to become independent and can feel patronising

5. Ask for help when you can.

  • Share the load with other adult family members
  • You are not alone! Keep connected with people who understand your situation. Share your challenges AND your successes
  • It is normal to feel stressed, frustrated, and afraid at this time
  • Be kind to yourself and take a break when you need to!

6. Strengthen routines.

  • Routines help children feel secure and safe.
  • Create a daily routine with activities that are familiar to your child and include some of their favorite activities
  • Help your child connect to friends and daily members via phone chats writing cards or drawing pictures
  • Provide your child with choices so that they have a sense of control. This also increases self-esteem
  • Use simple language and clear instructions and nonverbal communication for c
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