The Special Needs Child Needs Special Parenting

The Special Needs Child needs Special Parenting
by Carol Ann

One of the greatest gifts in life is a child, though it requires an enormous amount of work.  If you have a special needs child, the difficulties can be greater, as can the rewards.  Parenting any child requires a delicate balance of loving guidance, discipline, support and patience. Many parents put their all into their role as a parent, and with this comes a lot of worry.  Most parents worry if they are doing the right things and this is a very common, normal part of parenting.

Parents of special needs children face more difficulties in some cases. Guilt associated with parenting is very common and sometimes more so with a special needs child.  As a parent we feel guilty when we learn of the special need our child may be faced with. This is one important factor to consider when evaluating your parenting style. One of the biggest issues parents of special needs children face is spoiled children.  It is easy to spoil them when they seem so disadvantaged and helpless.  This is not meant to be offensive to any parent or child, it is written with love in my heart.

It is my experience that too many people underestimate the abilities of special needs children or anyone with special needs.  This is not only true for the parents but for most people who are involved with or come in contact with anyone with special needs, includiing teachers, medical professionals and caregivers.  This is not meant to sound rude, offensive or harsh in any way, just an expression of my own personal experiences.

Each child is an individual.  It is very important that you do not group your child into a specific category based on their diagnosis and on medical statistics.  It is important not to give up on your child because of some standard limits or expectancy rates.  Every child holds within themselves unlimited power.  Expect good behavior, success and positive results from your child and give them every opportunity to achieve every thing the world offers them.

Comparing your child to others is a natural action for many parents.  Try to refrain from this behavior.  Allow your child to be a unique individual and encourage them to find their own unlimited power that is within. Let them feel free to reach for the stars, and to never give up hope.  Expect success and encourage it and you will see the positive results in the ability and spirit of your child.