It can be a difficult conversation to explain special needs to children. As parents, we want our kids to understand the world around them and be able to recognize differences in other people without making assumptions. But how do we do that without making the conversation uncomfortable? By following these simple steps, you will be able to explain special needs to your children in a way that is both informative and respectful.
As our children grow up, we want them to become compassionate, understanding, and empathetic people who lead with kindness and integrity. Part of helping a child grow and mature into these roles is explaining to them how everyone is different—and how there is strength in those differences. It’s important for our children to understand that just because someone looks, acts, or learns a little bit differently doesn’t mean that person isn’t capable of amazing things. These conversations are especially important if your child has a special need or knows someone with special needs.
We encourage you to have an open, honest conversation with your child. It’s ok if you don’t have all the answers for them—what’s important is that you open the door to their curiosity and remind them to show everyone kindness.
When it comes to explaining special needs, start with the basics. Don’t go into too much detail right away—just provide a general overview of what having a special need means. Explain that some people may have physical or mental challenges or disabilities that make it harder for them to do things like walk, run, or learn in school. Let them know that although these challenges may be different from theirs, they are still important and should be respected.
Children look to their parents and guardians to learn. They pay more attention to our words than you might think, so it’s important to use positive words and phrases when describing special needs. For example, you may want to avoid using terms like “disabled” or “handicapped,” which both have negative connotations in our society. Or instead of saying that “Susie can’t walk, so she needs her wheelchair,” you can say, “Susie’s wheelchair helps her to move around.” Simple changes in your words can make a huge impact on how your child views those with special needs.
It’s easy for us as adults to focus on the negative aspects of someone’s disability when teaching our children about special needs. However, this type of attitude can lead children to make assumptions about those who are living with disabilities—something we should always strive to avoid. Instead of focusing on what someone cannot do because of their disability, try pointing out their strengths and abilities as well as how they work hard every day despite their challenges. This will help your child build empathy and respect for those who have special needs.
Take this opportunity to remind your child of what makes every human being similar. Humans (and especially kids!) want to play, make friends, have fun, and be loved. We all have favorite activities, favorite toys, favorite animals, and more. Emphasize the shared connections that all humans have, as this will help your child relate to others more easily.
No matter how much you explain about special needs, there are bound to be questions from your child afterward—and that’s okay! Encourage them to ask questions so you can provide further clarification if necessary. This is also an opportunity for you as a parent to discuss any misconceptions your child may have about disability and help ensure they develop a positive attitude towards those living with special needs.
You should prepare yourself to answer these tough questions and avoid shushing questions—even if they are uncomfortable or you don’t know the answer. Below are some examples of questions your child may ask about someone they know who has special needs.
One of the best ways we can teach our children about different topics is to lead by example. This means that if we tell our children to act a certain way toward individuals with special needs, we should do the same. Here are some examples of how we can be a positive role model for our children.
It’s ok if you don’t know everything there is to know about special needs. The purpose of this conversation is to spark curiosity in your child so that the two of you can learn together. If you don’t know the answer to one of their questions, it’s ok to say you don’t know! Then you can invite them to learn more about that particular special need together. What matters is you encourage learning and acceptance in your child.
It is important for all of us—adults included—to understand and respect those who live with disabilities or other types of special needs. Explaining this concept to children can be challenging but by starting with the basics, emphasizing abilities rather than disabilities, and encouraging questions along the way, you can teach your child how important it is that everyone regardless of ability level is treated with respect and kindness at all times.
On Angel’s Wings, Inc. offers a variety of special needs services to individuals with special needs and their families. We love serving our community and are proud to be founded on Christian values.
At On Angel’s Wings, Inc., we strive to provide parents, families, and individuals with the resources and support they need. Check out our blog for additional resources, or you can read about some of our most popular topics below.
For more information about our special needs services, feel free to contact our office. We look forward to helping your family in any way we can!