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 children who need it (for example: gestures, pictures, visual aids)