In this article I will discuss what children with special needs can really teach us. The reason I chose this topic is because everybody has an opinion on special needs children. Not only “outsiders” looking in but also parents of children have their own personal experiences of what their special needs children have taught them and continue to teach them.
WHAT PROBLEMS DO SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS HAVE?
Children with special needs start out with a disadvantage in that they have some disability in a medical, physical, psychological, social or learning area or a combination of these areas.
They have to work harder to achieve many of the things that their peers find effortless and it may take them longer to accomplish things. In addition they may not even be able to match their peers in terms of abilities.
Of course this depends on the special need of the individual child. However none the less, there is so much that a special needs child can teach us about life.
WHAT A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD CAN TEACH US
1.They are survivors and warriors and can go on to accomplish so much after being written off by many.
2.They teach us humility, compassion and how to be human
3.They teach us how to be better parents as we need to constantly adapt and progress and evolve as individuals to meet their special needs
4.They teach us to appreciate life and give us the strength and courage to face the challenges life throws at us
5.They teach us to step up to the mark and fight for worthwhile causes and to raise awareness for issues which ultimately concern everybody
6.They teach us to never judge a book by its cover and to look deep within a person and pick out what is wonderful
7.They teach us to never take anything for granted and to appreciate and celebrate every small achievement
8.They teach us to be self less so that our child gets the very best from us and we from them
9.They teach us to route for the underdog and to be tenacious in our cause for justice, rights and services for our child.
10.They teach us unconditional love which only grows
These are just a sample of some of the things that children with special needs can teach us. If you read over this list again then I am sure you will agree that having a child with special needs does not mean the end of the world.
Yes life is changed and harder and at times sadder but overall can you see the benefits too of having a child with special needs?
I know I can and I celebrate life to the fullest each and every day. Life is strange and teaches us some lessons which we never thought we needed to learn. Looking back now, I agree these were lessons that I really did need to learn and am a much better person for having a child with special needs.
My name is Orla. I am a mentor to parents who have children with special needs. I teach them tools and processes that help them with the physical, emotional and psychological challenges they face. Together we learn how it is possible to achieve a harmonious balance in their lives. For more resources go to http://www.parenting4specialneeds.com
Having a child with special needs is truly life changing. We all cope with these changes differently. As a parent with a child who has special needs I am here to support you in learning what works best for you, your child and your family.