Unlocking The Potential: Empowering Children With Special Needs To Thrive

By Author: karen donato
Total Articles: 4
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As the parent of two children who grew up with learning disabilities, motor skill delays, processing challenges, health issues and more, I know first hand how difficult it is two empower our children. On many occasions, I had the urge to give in to all of their demands and requests, perform all tasks for them and climb metaphorical mountains rather than witness tears in my children’s eyes, frustration and meltdowns. After all, every parent wants their child to be happy and carefree.

Unfortunately, the reality is that

a href=https://everyspecialchild.com/benefits/">Provide safe challenges. A safe challenge is defined as a skill level slightly ahead of where they presently are. These ...
... types of challenges are realistic and tasks the child will most likely achieve successfully. If a task is slightly above their present skill – set and the child masters the skill, they will feel a sense of empowerment. As their positive self efficacy rises, the child will feel confident regarding moving to the next level and the next.

Expectations that are presented in baby steps will have the best possibility of resulting in success. If the task is extremely advanced and far removed from the child’s skill level it will backfire. The child will lose confidence. Hence they will refuse to cooperate out of fear of failure. Teaching new skills must be done in baby steps, layering a new skill as an old one is learned.

Parents expectations will most likely be met with tears, meltdowns and even a child that goes on strike and refuses to cooperate. At this point, a parent’s inclination is to merely do the tasks for the child rather than see them cry or express frustration. It pains every parent to see their child frustrated. We must remember the