Resumo de Help Tots To Make Connection On Similarities

Help Tots to Make Connection on SimilaritiesKids often encounter children with special needs in their daycare or school classroom, at church, or at a variety of extracurricular activities. Inevitably, they will ask questions about anyone who seems different. "Different" can mean a type of hair, color of skin, a child in a wheelchair, broken arm, or one who behaves in a certain way due to special needs. Sometimes, that curiosity causes adults to become embarrassed over pointed observations and move away, to shush their tot, or to quickly try to change the subject. But that type of reaction sends a negative and wrong message that something is wrong with a person.

Parents and child care providers should consider these tips on handling a youngster's questions or comments about a special needs child. Answer a child's questions matter-of-factly. The worst thing an adult can do is to avoid a child's innocent questions, because it can create discomfort and confusion rather than understanding and comfort.Young children are direct and observant, and making comment about something they see is quite natural for their age. A child noticing a kid who is missing an arm, for example, is generally curious about the fact, how it happened, and if the person is okay. Rather than side-stepping the issue, a parent can talk about differences and similarities, and if the situation is appropriate, have your child introduce himself to the youngster.Asking a child with special needs about their is certainly OK. Often, Kids want to speak with a child with differences, and parents sometimes hesitate because they are uncomfortable with what a child will say. A child asking another about a difference (such as being in a wheelchair, for example) can be a conversation starter that can lead into a friendship. Parents should also realize, however, that it is okay if the child with special needs doesn't want to talk, or at least talk about the difference. Or even that their child doesn't want to initiate a conversation. Kids can be shy or withdrawn or extremely social with any peers, and sometimes all that is needed to form friendships and build understanding is a little time.Find something in common. Friendships are founded on common interests rather than differences. Parents and caregivers can break the ice by encouraging kids to talk about things they like or like to do, favorite colors, or types of food they like best. This helps kids to focus on similarities. Encourage role-playing. If a child who is blind starts attending your tot's daycare or school, encourage your youngster to consider what it must be like. Have your child close his eyes and try and find an object or walk to a specific part of the room. Then, talk about some of the challenges while also mentioning some of the aids the child who is blind utilizes to Help overcome them. If special needs are explained appropriately by an adult, kids not only then understand the disabilities better but are often impressed about all the things that can be done. Treat a child with special needs as you would with any other same-age kid. Once a child's curiosity has been satisfied, kids will then be kids. Encourage your youngster to treat all classmates with equal friendship and respect. Reinforce that every child is both unique and the same, but that we are all more alike than difference.

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