The early childhood years are a particularly important period because learning typically occurs very rapidly during this time. Children emerge from almost complete dependence to relative independence in a span of a few short years. Much of the learning during this time occurs with some degree of formal instruction, however, most parents are also teaching their children informally; as they encourage them to observe things in the environment, as they label their objective experiences, as they develop certain social skills and as they experiment with appropriate behaviors and manners.
Many parents of young children with development delays ask what they can do at home to help their young ones. Typically, the first suggested step is to try to understand the child's difficulties and to consider how these limitations might impact with self-help skills, communication, discipline, play and independence. Above all, however, we encourage parents to focus on the child's strengths in order to develop self-esteem and to help them establish a deep sense of belonging and become an integral part of the family. Like all parents, they need to carefully consider the delicate balance between providing too much or too little assistance for the child—a balance between under and over expecting what the child can do independently.
Understanding a child's needs takes time because needs evolve with age and with expectations at home, in social settings and in school. New and unexpected problems may arise as they do with all children. However, children with special needs often require more understanding and support—not only from parents and teachers but also from siblings at home.
Here are 5 things parents can do to help their children with developmental delays:
1) Each one of us, no matter what our personal makeup, has a unique quality to offer. Celebrate the fact that everyone in their own special way have different things that they are good at and things that are harder for them. It is important to recognize and appreciate everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.
2) Fill in difficult tasks between easier tasks. For instance, if your child prefers math to reading, start with a few math problems, progressively administer the reading assignment and then complete the math task again. The preferred task will anchor the child to start and then to finish with an easy task to help to end the study session on a positive note.
3) Teach children to express negative emotions without fear of reprisal. Children with development delays will experience a lot of frustration about school work and daily tasks; and may become resentful that they have a learning disability while a sibling or friend does not. Listen and acknowledge that it is okay to feel this way and provide outlets for expressing these emotions in a psychologically safe environment.
4) Always treat each child as an individual and do not compare abilities across children or compare how one child was at the other child’s age.
5) Don’t forget to provide breaks while doing school work to allow the child to relax and re-energize doing what they enjoy during that time.
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