Parents whose kids suffer from vision or any other impairment are always delusional about how to raise their kids. If you are in the same boat, then this article has all the information you need to know more about your child’s condition.
Visual Impairment In Children
It’s worrying to find out that your kid has something missing; people behave differently towards such individuals. People often look at them sympathetically, which is hurtful for parents. We have made a small effort to guide and support such parents in those first steps. The first step is accepting, which is difficult for each parent. However, the sooner they accept, the better it is for them.
Starting Point
There is a Leaflet with the name ‘Starting Point’ for parents of babies who have been recently diagnosed with vision impairment. The leaflet is designed by collaborating with various charities. Starting Point is often given to families in eye clinics to help them start this difficult journey with their kids. There is a Sight Advice FAQ, which you can use to ask queries about your child’s condition and support services. You can also share the leaflet with parents in a similar situation as you.
Encouraging Independence
Children grow up and notice how their parents see them. It is crucial that you, as a parent, encourage them to try everything so that they can feel independent. As a parent, you should help your child move with confidence, so they never feel less than other children in any way. You should teach them from an early age to take care of their needs and for this, you may have to hire professionals to teach your kids the skills that other children learn by observing or imitating others.
Learning And Schooling
Children with vision impairment can go to schools that have facilities to deal with special children. If your child has complex needs, then s/he should be enrolled in a special school so that they feel supported. The risk with enrolling them in a regular school is that they may be bullied, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and many other problems that you wouldn’t want your kid to have.
Financial support
Governments in developed countries usually offer financial support, allowances, or grants to parents of children with vision impairment. For more information, talk to your friends or support groups.
Into Adulthood
It is important to guide individuals that want to make a transition from school to higher studies. If people with any form of impairment are willing to be self-employed and independent, then parents, government, and support groups should support them at every step. Their journey to finding a livelihood to support themselves or their family is generally very difficult as employers do not give equal opportunity to people with and without disabilities, unfortunately.
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to love them unconditionally so that they are strong enough to face the world.