6 Things I Tell My Child With a Disability Every Single Day
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Our society is headed in the right direction when it comes to having more awareness, inclusiveness, and accommodations for people with disabilities. Every day, people are learning more about the differences in the way others behave, think, and communicate, and it's absolutely wonderful.
But even though we're making great progress, being a child with a disability can be pretty tough. There are many struggles these children face on a daily basis, and it's frustrating and heartbreaking when others don't understand, or they don't understand it themselves. As a parent of a child with a disability, I make it a point to tell my child these six positive things every single day, because I want her to know how amazing she really is.
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"I love you."
It's important for any child to know that they're loved, but it's especially important for a child with a disability to know they are loved unconditionally. Knowing they have a nurturing and supportive family who loves them dearly means the world to them.
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"I'm proud of you."
Having a disability comes with many struggles and hurdles. There will be times when my daughter will try her absolute best, but not reach her goal. I want her to know that it's OK to struggle and even fail. As long as she's given it her best, I will always be proud of her.
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"There is nothing wrong with you."
Although my child is different from neurotypical children in many ways, there is nothing "wrong" with her. Just different, and different is a good thing.
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"Be yourself."
I would never want my child to try to be someone else. I love her for who she is, disability and all, and I wouldn't change a thing about her. Her disability doesn't define her, but it's what makes her my amazing little girl, and it's my hope that others will love her for the same reasons I do.
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"Don't be afraid to ask for help."
A lot of times, children with disabilities are embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. I want my child to never feel bad about needing help and asking for it.
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"Help others understand."
The more people learn about different disabilities, the better our society will be in accepting them. When someone doesn't understand why my child behaves a certain way, I'm teaching my child to let them know that it's because of her disability and to answer any questions they have about it.