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Essential Tips For Parenting A Special Child

Written by Dr. Pulyk Nataliya Omelanivna on Wed, 22 November 2023

Key Highlights

  • It is also important to remember that all children are unique individuals.
  • There will be ups and downs, but it is important to remember that you are not alone.
  • Researching, discovering, and gaining access to effective therapies and resources.
  • learning about your child's disability, finding support, setting realistic expectations, and being patient and loving. 
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Learning that your child might have special needs can be shocking. One may feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, and guilt. You may also wonder how you will cope with the challenges that lie ahead.

But it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many parents who have been through this experience, and there are many resources available to make things easier for you.

One of the most important things you can do is to learn as much as you can about your child's condition. This will help you understand their needs and how to best meet them. There are many books, websites, and support groups available that can provide you with information.

It is also important to remember that your child is a unique individual. They may have some challenges, but they also have many strengths. It is important to focus on their strengths and to help them develop their abilities.

Raising a special child can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. By providing your child with love, support, and appropriate care, you can help them reach their full potential.

Their lives are about to change when they become parents!

Their lives are about to change when they become parents!

Globally, UNICEF estimated that 28.9 million children aged 0-4 years, 207.4 million children aged 5-17 years and 236.4 million children aged 0-17 years have moderate-to-severe disabilities based on household surveys of child functional status. Child disability is a major concern for parents.

As a parent, you provide your children with a good start in life by nurturing, protecting, and guiding them. Parenting is a process that teaches your child to be self-sufficient. You can do numerous things to assist your child as he or she grows and develops.

This article will discuss some of the things to be mindful of when parenting a special child. We will cover topics such as learning about your child's disability, finding support, setting realistic expectations, and being patient and loving. We will also discuss the importance of taking care of yourself as a parent of a special needs child.

As not all children are the same, some children are differently able. Parents of this special child have different challenges as compared to normal child parents. Some of the major challenges are mentioned below,

  • Understanding the impairment
  • researching, discovering, and gaining access to effective therapies and resources
  • Dealing with the emotional and physical responsibilities of caring for a disabled person
  • Attending numerous medical visits, therapists, advocates, and school personnel
  • Advocating for necessary school interventions, accommodations, and/or placements
  • Paying for several treatments and interventions that are not covered by health insurance or the educational system

After all these challenges parents need to be more attentive and conscious about their child's wellbeing.

Mindful parenting tips

Mindful parenting tips

Parenting a child with special needs can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some things to be mindful of while parenting a special child:

1. Educate yourself about your child's disability

The more you know about your child's disability, the better equipped you will be to meet their needs. There are many resources available to help you learn about your child's disability, including books, websites, and support groups.

2. Set realistic expectations

It is important to set realistic expectations for your child. Every child with special needs is different, and they will all progress at their own pace. Don't compare your child to other children, and don't put too much pressure on them to achieve certain milestones.

3. Be patient and understanding

Parenting a child with special needs can be frustrating at times, but it is important to be patient and understanding. Your child may need more time to learn new things or to complete tasks. Be patient with them and offer them your support.

4. Love your child unconditionally

Your child's disability does not change the fact that they are loved. Let your child know that you love them unconditionally, no matter what.

5. Seek support from others

Parenting a child with special needs can be isolating. It is important to seek support from others, such as family, friends, or a support group. Talking to others who understand what you are going through can help you feel less alone.

6. Take care of yourself

It is important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Parenting a child with special needs can be demanding, so it is important to make time for yourself to relax and recharge.

7. Be positive and encouraging

Your child needs to know that you believe in them. Offer them positive reinforcement and encouragement and help them to focus on their strengths.

8. Help your child develop social skills

Children with special needs may need help developing social skills. There are many resources available to help you teach your child social skills.

9. Help your child find their passion

Every child has something they are passionate about. Help your child find their passion and encourage them to pursue it.

10. Be an advocate for your child

It is important to be an advocate for your child. This means speaking up for their needs and ensuring that they receive the services they deserve.

11. Have fun

Parenting should be enjoyable. Make sure to find time to have fun with your child. This will help you bond with your child, and it will make parenting more enjoyable for both of you.

12. Encourage independence

As children get older, it is important to encourage them to become independent. Let them make their own choices and help them learn how to solve problems on their own.

13. Be a role model

Children learn by watching adults in their lives. Be a role model for your child by demonstrating the behaviors that you want them to learn.

As a parent it became very crucial to be calm and caring towards them. Sometime parents get angary on their children. This all affects their mental state and their behavior changes.

Raising a special child is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you, and there are other parents who understand what you are going through. With love, patience, and support, you can help your child reach their full potential.

Find a team of professionals who can help you and your child. This may include a doctor, a therapist, a teacher, and a social worker. These professionals can provide you with guidance and support, and they can help you develop a plan for your child's care.

Conclusion

Parenting a special child is a journey filled with love, challenges, and opportunities for growth. By embracing individuality, seeking support, and fostering communication, you can create a nurturing environment for your child's development.

Remember, you're not alone, and there is a vast network of support waiting to guide you. Through patience, understanding, and unconditional love, you can provide your special child with a life filled with love, joy, and endless possibilities.

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Dr. Pulyk Nataliya Omelanivna

Dr. Pulyk Nataliya Omelanivna is an Internal Medical Expert who is based out of Ukraine. With a special interest in internal medicine Dr Pulyk graduated from the Ternopil National Medical Academy in Ukraine, in the year 2001. Between the years 2002-2009, Dr Pulyk worked as an emergency physician. Her years of work as an emergency physician gave her immense exposure to a range of patients and an opportunity to learn on the job, and gather extensive experience.

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  1. Smith AM, et al. Health and well-being in midlife parents of children with special health needs. Families, Systems, & Health. 2014 Sep;32(3):303.
  2. Breiner H, et al, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Targeted Interventions Supporting Parents of Children with Special Needs, Parents Facing Special Adversities, and Parents Involved with Child Welfare Services. InParenting Matters: Supporting Parents of Children Ages 0-8 2016 Nov 21. National Academies Press (US).
  3. Papadopoulos D. Mothers’ experiences and challenges raising a child with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative study. Brain sciences. 2021 Mar 2;11(3):309.
  4. Piškur B, et al. Parents’ actions, challenges, and needs while enabling participation of children with a physical disability: a scoping review. BMC pediatrics. 2012 Dec;12(1):1-3. 

Our team of experts frequently monitors developments in the health and wellness field, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Nov, 22 2023

Written By

Dr. Pulyk Nataliya Omelanivna