Here are three ways that you can begin the new year on the right foot with your child.
Parenting a child with a disability is a journey; it can be a challenge at times, but with the right tools, your child can have a rewarding life. Each new year is a milestone and an opportunity to start fresh and improve. Here are three ways that you can begin the new year on the right foot with your child.
Getting Organized
Many people like to begin the year by looking over their past paperwork and getting it in order. Whether you are looking through your bills, bank and tax statements, and more, you should also set aside time to organize your child’s paperwork. If you have medical or therapy records, and reports like IEPs, it’s great to make sure you have all the information you need in the right place. And even if you have already organized your child’s paperwork throughout the year, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to look over it so you have a clear idea of what your child needs moving forward.
Support System
Another good thing to evaluate is your support system. Is your child currently seeing a therapist, or are you considering therapy for them? Have you considered joining a support group? Many parents of children with disabilities can feel isolated, living in a world that can sometimes be insensitive to a child’s differences. If you feel this way, then getting connected with other parents and building a support system for your child will make it much easier for you both to have a better quality of life as a whole this year.
Try Something New
New Year’s Day is famous as a time of people making resolutions to change an aspect of their lives. Why not try a new activity with your child? Maybe this is the year that you can help your child find their new favorite hobby. Of course, new life changes can be intimidating at first. It’s completely up to you how you want to introduce your child to an activity, and if they don’t like it then there is no shame in calling it a day. But trying something new is a great way for your child to learn about themselves and expand their horizons.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (301) 577-4333. Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.