July 30, 2019
All parents play a crucial role in shaping the lives of their
children in the formative years. They wield great influence and have an
enormous power to shape them positively. This is true for all children,
regardless of disability. Often, lack of information and stigma can act as a
wall and it is important parents don’t let that happen.
Disability comes with many challenges and coupled with lack of awareness and
stigma, parenting a child with a disability can be hard. This coupled with
the difficulty many disabled kids face in expressing their feelings can make
the experience a lonely one. But it is important not to back down in the face
of such challenges but instead equip yourself with the tools to empower your
child.
All children feel safe and happy around their parents. When it comes to a
child with a disability, physical presence is even more important. It helps
in their growth and development, strengthens the bond and improves learning.
The parent is the first teacher in the life of a child and helps shape the
child’s perceptions.
When a parent is involved in the child’s education, it helps ensure they
don’t fall behind. It has been observed that the involvement of parents in
child’s education improves overall performance and also motivates the child
to do better. Dattatray Bankar , who has a child with a
disability, says parents act like mentors.
Parents are like mentors to children with disabilities and it is a full
time job. They are the first ones to interact and teach the kids with
disabilities and disorders. An alert parent who is fully involved with the
child will be able to understand the delays in millstones like speech,
physical and mental growth. As parents, we observe the different growth
millstones and when they are delayed, we work on them with the kids. At
times, work can keep a parent busy but it is vital that at least one parent
spends time with child and be a part of their social, academic life. –
Dattatray Bankar, Parent
The involvement of a parent also helps ensure that communication with the
teachers is a constant process. A positive home environment and parental
support at home can do wonders for the mental and physical growth of
children.
Karen Karbhari , is the founder of Buddy
Centre in Pune, which works to empower disabled children through
education and skill development.
“I have noticed that getting the parent’s involved not only improves the
child’s learning speed, it also helps the parents connect with their kids.
Once parents accept the limitations of their children, life becomes less
stressful for them and they are able to have quality time in family. We
encourage parents to spend more time with their children as it is good for
the kids,” she says.
Karen has initiated programs at the center that involve parents along with
their children. Fun activities, games, extracurricular activities are
conducted to encourage parent-child bonding.
GET IN TOUCH:
To know more about Buddy Centre call: +91-9823054518.
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/ways-in-which-parents-of-disabled-kids-can-empower-enable-them
