The Strongest Role Model for the Special Child is His Mother

Every child is special but some children may need special care due to physical, emotional, health or developmental needs. Hence, they are called “special”. It should be kept in mind that the role of the mother in case of a special child is of utmost importance since all children tend to love their mother the most and also they spend most of their time with their mother. So, the mother of a special child should be very careful about the way she views her child because the way she talks about her child or views her child affects the way the child views himself. The mother, being the closest person to the special child is the strongest role model for the child.

Positive outlook towards the child with special needs

Mothers of special children should remember to point out the way the child is like other children, instead of focusing on the differences. They should avoid saying things like “ a disabled child”, a “blind girl” or “a Down syndrome boy”. Instead put the child first by saying “a child with a disability”, “ a girl who is blind” or “ a boy with Down syndrome”. Avoid using words that are derogatory or pitying, such as handicapped, crippled, retarded, mongoloid or backward.

Techniques for managing behavior

Many a time, it is seen that mothers find it difficult to manage the behavior of children and they think that their ward is unmanageable because he is a special child. This unwanted behavior of the child can be managed to a great extent by making your child understand that you understand and respect his feelings. Mothers should be able to manage their own behavior and try to become an iconic figure for them. This means that in order to manage the behavior of a special child, the mother has to be tolerant, patient and respectful.

Pick up hobbies for the special child

The mother of a special child may pick up certain hobbies like gardening, painting, decorating the house or stamp collecting. The child would definitely enjoy doing these things as he would learn them from his mother who is his idol in life.  This would give joy and confidence to the child and the child would feel that definitely he too can do something.

Find out what are the qualities of the child

It is necessary to nurture the qualities of the child because his innate qualities will finally help him in leading a successful life. For instance, if a child with locomotive disorder is good at making handicrafts, he should be encouraged in that way so that in future it may earn him his livelihood

Send the child to a good school

Sending the child to an institute where only the children with special needs are sent may not serve the purpose because over there the child has nothing to learn from his friends who are also suffering from some or the other problem.  In this case he should be sent to a school where other children go. The mother, being the role model of the child should encourage the child to take example from the good qualities of others. If he mixes with good children, he may definitely learn something from them and also feel encouraged to compete with them.

Coordinate with the activities of the school

The School is a place where teachers try their utmost to develop the child as far as possible so that he can in future become a responsible and successful citizen of the country. Since the mother is the strongest role model of the child, it is the duty of the mother to let the child practice whatever is taught to him at school. If this is practiced since childhood, it would become the child’s regular habit and he would definitely be able to do something good in life.