Searching and reading about families and the different needs they may have, we have come across an important issue that we want to address: the house of special children. We will do it without judging, but providing ideas and support to those families with children who have some special needs.
Having a child with special needs simply means that our son or daughter needs more help due to a physical, medical, emotional or learning problem.
Accept your child as he is and value him
Many of the families that have children with special educational needs are driven by values. They find it difficult to request help, both from other family members, friends or institutions and they strive to invent the forces and pour out all the positive energy so that these children can have the most autonomous life possible.
The process of accepting having a child with special educational needs is a challenge for anyone. Let us recognize that expectations about the other are overvalued in this society. What we are going to say is obvious: the most important thing is that they feel loved above all things, that they be valued for how they are and not for what they are. Trust in them is the most necessary for your own acceptance.
Each person has a different pace to develop and the comparison with the other is anguish. We really must stop and think about the value of the present moment.
Some families of children with special educational needs find themselves in social situations where they "feel ashamed" of their child's behavior. Forget what other people think. Do everything possible to feel included and stop attending birthday parties, going on excursions, living in freedom. Here you have some ideas to go on vacation with him.
It is no longer indispensable for him or her
We know that it is very complicated, but Giving them your all is not the best way to prepare them for adverse situations. What we must do as parents and families is their guides so that later they can do it for themselves. I give you an example.
If you teach him to put on a garment, use a spoon, or brush his teeth, do it normally, first be his model, then do it with him and if he shows difficulties, You are helping him little by little and gradually withdrawing this help. This will make you feel more confident and proud.
Remember He is a child, a teenager, and he will grow with his character. You should grant him the freedom that any child asks for in relation to his age. This will contribute to the development of your capabilities.
Special education or inclusive education
The theory says that the important thing is not the type of institution in which the teaching takes place. Today there is a trend towards inclusive schools, where the educational program is flexible enough to fully adapt to the real needs of the child who needs it.
The important thing is the acceptance of families, friends, society. An inclusive school is of no use if that assessment is not maintained in the classroom or abroad.
The school curriculum that is taught, whether in these special or general education centers, is based on the general education study programs, with the characteristic of adapting to the needs of each student, whether physical or intellectual.
Relationship with siblings
The fraternal relationship is very important and fundamental always, it is one of the longer lasting ties and differentiators from that of parents. If this is important in families where one of the children has a special need it becomes crucial.
It is essential report the sibling's disability, helping you to recognize the situation and relate to it. To know communicating and playing with the sibling will foster important values in both of you. It is also important that the brother can express what he feels and share it, from frustration, jealousy, rejection ...
The brother must be respected and valued in his activities and hobbies. Parents must also grant him the autonomy and independence that belongs to him. He is a brother, neither a carer, nor a father figure.