The focus today is about expections. Parents of children with special needs may have to adjust their expectations, but is that something that only those parents have to learn?
Yes, it's harder with a special needs child, but any parent with a child can have expectations that are too high or too low for that child. Most parents go into the public expecting their children to be on their best behavior. Their idea of what is their best and their parents' ideas may be far apart in similarity.
A parent with an autistic child has to learn how to adjust their expectations around other children. Those children may have no understanding of what it is like for your special child. That can make a special outing or family get-together a nightmare.
It's not necessarily that the children would be mean to a special needs child out of hatefulness. Sometimes they just need to understand the boundaries in advance. If you are planning a special time for you and your family or friends, it would be a good idea to talk to the parents of other children who will be involved. It would save a lot of heartache and tears if the parents could help prepare their children before the interaction with your child.
Prevention is always better than frustration that could be avoided. Of course, experience is the best teacher as well. So, if you miss something the first time, be sure to add it to a check list for the next event. Just don't give up!
1 comments:
My expectations significantly changed after kids, I can't even begin to imagine how much you had to change, not only your expectations but the way you do things. Interesting to think about.
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