It’s important to a child’s present life and future success to develop confidence and self-esteem. One of the best ways for any child to acquire self-esteem is by observing parents who provides an example of a positive self-image. Developing a healthy viewpoint of yourself is often a challenge for children with disabilities, but with encouragement they can become self-confident. Here are some tips to help parents with their children of multiple types of disabilities.
Children with ADHD
Children with ADHD often struggle with self-control. Helping them find ways to gain self-control will help with their self-esteem. Another way to build them up is to focus on their strengths. Help them get engaged in sports or creative activities that they likely to succeed in. Provide positive reinforcement when they achieve a goal, regardless of how small the task was. Be sure to praise them in the presence of family, friends and teachers. When they know that you’re proud of them, it will make them feel good about themselves.
Children with Visual Impairment
Children are often uncomfortable with the idea of having to wear glasses. There are several things that you can do to help them see themselves in a positive light. Find some photos of family members or celebrities who wear glasses that your child admires. Building a connection with them through this experience could help boost your child up. When you take them to a place like All About Eyes or whichever other vision center you go to, let your child pick out their frames. Choosing frames in their favorite color or with a quirky design would make the glasses a fun accessory, not an embarrassing necessity. Point out to them how glasses expand their opportunities and can make daily life much easier.
Children with Autism
As soon as your child is old enough, explain the characteristics of autism to them. Then offer them suggestions for learning how to manage some of their behaviors. Helping your child learn anger management and coping skills is a key factor in building their self-esteem. Live your life so that they see firsthand how they should positively view themselves. Focus on their positive traits and abilities. Make opportunities available to them that they are likely to succeed in.
Children with Down Syndrome
You can help a child with Down Syndrome develop self-esteem by explaining to them on their level of understanding what Down Syndrome is. Help them become as independent as possible. Encourage appropriate friendships with kids and adults. Focus on their abilities, not their limitations.
Providing a positive environment, frequent encouragement and emotional support can help your child see themselves in the same great way that you see them. It’s an ongoing process, but it’s an important one.