Parenting Kids With Disabilities

#blind #disability #parenting
Parenting is no joke. Parenting kids with disabilities comes with a whole host of added challenges. Let's tackle the big questions everyone has. How do you manage your own experience with that of your child and help them become the best person they can possibly be. We chat about independence, common parental mis-steps, advocacy, and everything in between.
0:13 Intro
1:30 Managing Grief
2:06 Allowing Emotions
2:44 Perfection Isn't Possible
3:22 Learn Through Play - Allow Play
4:23 Explore Together
5:03 Explain
5:39 Multi-Sensory Learning
6:14 No Doesn't Always Mean No
7:04 Advocate
8:00 Patience
8:40 Independent Living Skills
9:41 Don't Do Things They Can Do Themselves!
10:22 Disability Isn't Everything
11:11 Find Others Like Them
11:45 Creative Outlets
12:35 Be There Unconditionally
13:08 Conclusion
Thumbnail Description: An image of a toddler playing with blocks. Tamara smiles in the corner. Bold text on her left says: Raising Disabled Kids - Tips for Success.
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Lumix G7 & iPhone 11

[@khanhhm5762]

Another wonderful video, Tamera. And all very wise tips. Back in May, I was a guest on Joy Ross's channel and I spoke briefly about my early childhood experiences, wanting to convey a similar message to parents with disabled children. One of the best things my grandparents did for me during my early years was to let me explore and experience the world with my remaining senses. They didn't ignore my blindness but nor did they shy away from it. They had similar expectations of me as they did of other kids my age. Then when I left them, it was like I'd entered another universe. For the rest of my childhood and teenage years, I wasn't allowed to do much beyond go to school, I was told I couldn't amount to anything and no one in my family advocated for or supported me. I became confused, lost, angry, and frustrated. What kept me together was the foundation my grandparents gave me. Though I felt buried alive, I was determined to one day move away from my family, go to college, get a job, and live alone. It's been a tough road, but I'm proud to say I've done it. However, I wouldn't want other blind or otherwise disabled kids to go through the same things I did. It breaks my heart when I hear parents belittling their disabled children, having no expectations of them, and essentially depriving them of the tools they need to live full and rich lives. But it also fills me with joy when I hear stories of parents who fully support and empower their kids, helping them to become successful adults.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

West we’ll said. Thank you for sharing your experiences. :)

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m sure it will help many parents to hear that perspective. I’m sorry you were told you would never amount to anything. It’s the same thing I’ve heard for many years and it just isn’t true.

[@alst1]

Great advice! Good video for all parents!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks :)

[@vanessafierro1642]

Thank you so much for this video! My child has LCA so he’s blind. We’ve had no resources for his 4 years of life but he’s very independent most people don’t realize he’s blind. However, he’s recently been into footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, and I didn’t know how to handle it I felt he wouldn’t be able to do these things. But, you’re such an inspiration and have given me a sense of hope. I really needed this video!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

My best friend growing up also has LCA. :) I’m sorry you’ve had no access resources. That is really tough. If you ever have questions I’m happy to answer as best I can. Check out jingle soccer balls and beeper baseball. Lots of blind folks play.

[@steph744]

amazing! my daughter is visually impaired so I am listening!!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm so glad she has a mom who's researching and trying to do the best for her! If you ever have any questions, I'm always happy to help or point you in the right direction :)

[@dorottyakacser-varga3607]

Thanks a lot for this video! My baby girl is visually impaired, supposedly has LCA, so every tip and trick is useful. :)

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

You are most welcome! Happy to help out as best I can if you ever run into any ongoing challenges or questions. :)

[@megandmauiguidingpaws]

I loved this it was really hard on my mom to have a daughter who was not only blind but autistic and had another daughter who was what peope called normal while I am slow to understand some things I feel like my mom tried to instill in me our family motto figure it out.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It can definitely be tough on parents who expect something and get something else. But we learn, we laugh, we fall down and we try again. I'm sorry that your mom's struggle was passed on to you, but I'm sure you are doing fantastic things, especially with that "figure it out" attitude. :)

[@megandmauiguidingpaws]

@@UnsightlyOpinions When I was younger I always felt like that attitude was a burden like i couldn’t live up to it but now I use that motto all the time and we have a great relationship I still live with her and we laugh oh we laugh all the time and we love it when she makes a blind joke because people don’t know how to react. I think those of us that learn to deal with our struggles are better able to function in the real world than those that even non disabled who don’t or haven’t had to struggle through something do. Oh and My guide dog was watching you with me.

[@broughtontaylor8142]

Hello Tamara! I really enjoyed this video you made. As a teen with autism and ADHD, some of these things I wish my parents did as a kid lol. Like you, I had an IEP plan in elementary school. I can heavily relate to your struggles. Every time I had a test, they would pull me out in front of the class. Everyone stared at me. I went to speech once a week. I couldn't understand why I had to do these things when everyone else didn't have to. Unlike you, I wasn't told about my disabilities until 4th grade. I didn't get diagnosed with autism until a couple months ago. I wish my parents would have told me. I would have had a better understanding of 'why I was different'. I like the sensory play idea, as I had tons of sensory issues as a kid. Anyways, I enjoy learning about your experiences with your disabilities. It's always good to learn more!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

That must have been really confusing and embarrassing. I knew why things were the way they were but still felt super self-conscious. It must have been so much worse not knowing why. I’m glad you are finding the answers you need now. :)

[@danabelden4492]

I'm older now but you need to talk to my mom lol but I know a lot too my childhood grow up in a blind school

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Haha I’m sure she did the best she knew how. :)