You have been blessed with a child with special needs. While others may have a different point of view, you know that your child is a gift who was brought to you for a reason. You will do everything in your power to make your little one happy. That means going the extra mile to enrich your child's life. Entertaining your child is one of the most important jobs you will have to do.
When you have a child with special needs, you may need to be more creative. What keeps other children occupied or engaged may not work for your child. Most importantly, you know you can't just stick your child in front of a tablet all the time. You need to have balance, integrating technology and old-fashioned favorites.
A child with any type of disability, whether it is physical, behavioral, or emotional, needs to interact with others. You may be your child's caregiver round the clock. Even if your child shies away from eye contact or your touch, keep trying to build a bridge between you and your little one.
Try activities like baking. Keep up an on-going conversation, even if it is one-sided. Your little one needs to be inundated with words in order to build a strong vocabulary. The seeds you plant now will bloom later. Pouring out ingredients, doing hands-on cooking, and enjoying the results of your efforts can make a strong impression on your child.
Dancing is a great way to connect with your child. Whether you hold hands, model a move, or just let your body go, dancing could be a favorite for your little one. Put on different kinds of music and see how your child responds. You may discover certain songs calm your child, offering you a helpful tool when there is an upset.
A favorite song could spark joy in your child, bringing out laughter and smiles. It could even open the door to communication.
Your child is sure to have interests that really make him or her become engrossed in it. This is the same for all children but especially holds true with children with special needs. Autistic children in particular may focus on one thing, such as trains, fire trucks, or telephones. A quick Google search like “autism trains” can help you find more information. When you find something your child that excites your child, find quality videos that revolve around that topic. Look for productions that are colorful and show movement. Sound effects are a plus. You may find yourself watching these videos again and again.
Try to set a time limit for how long you have television time. You can set a timer so your child knows that it is time to move on to another activity. While your child is watching, be sure to spend some time with your child. Talk about what you see. Praise your child if he or she responds.
Drawing, painting, and working with clay may be helpful for your child. Try connecting with favorite videos or other interests. Draw pictures together after you watch a video, bake, or dance. See if your child creates a work that connects with one of your little one's likes. Free drawing or other types of artwork may help you to better understand your child.
Always talk about what your child is making. If your child doesn't speak, encourage hand motions. Sign language may be helpful as well.
Books open up new worlds for children every day. Pick a time when you look at books together. It might be at bedtime every night. Set the scene for a soothing time together while you nestle in and give your child the wonder of words combined with illustrations. Let your child pick as often as possible. Your little one may bring your books all day. Indulge in literature as often as you can.
Entertaining your child will give you both mutual benefits. It's a time when you will build a stronger bond with each other. Try experimenting. Create, play, and grow together. Your child will carry the time you spend with him or her forever.
Regina Thomas is a Southern California native who spends her time as a freelance writer and loves cooking at home when she can find the time. Regina loves reading, music, hanging with her friends and family along with her Golden Retriever, Sadie. She loves adventure and living every day to the fullest.