10 ways to let your child know that you love them

Ten Ways to Let Your Child Know That You Love Them

1) Spend time with them.

· Not scripted time - not to accomplish meeting a goal or a milestone…take some time just be with them - where they are.

This is how you get to know your child outside of their diagnosis.

2) Set boundaries.

· Kids need boundaries to make them feel safe.

· Have the same general expectations of them as everyone else in the family. They may need more physical assistance, supervision, or visual and/or verbal cues to reach the desired outcome, but still have the same expectations.

3) Include them in decisions that are not life altering.

· Include them in decisions: What you are going to wear for today?

· If you are asking everyone else for input, include them even if processing is delayed or if language is difficult.

4) Take the time to listen to your child. If they do not have language, figure out a way for them to communicate with you.

A speech pathologist can help you with this.
Be consistent with what they are doing at school for communication.
Break things down to yes/no questions, if needed.

5) Talk with them - not at them.

Make sure that there is communication outside of instructions, cues, and “do this…do that.”
Remember that often they understand more words than they can say. We want them to understand that language can be about getting to know each other, not just telling each other what to do.

6) Hug them or give them affection in a way that will make THEM feel loved.

Often kids enjoy bear hugs for deep pressure.
Respect their sensory issues (don’t just grab them and do what YOU would like).

7) Brag about them and let them hear you do it.

Make sure that they hear you sing their praises to others.
Focus on what they are doing better or well at…not only on their weak areas. Everyone likes honest praise.

8) Create a neutral sensory environment for them.

Decrease sounds, sights and smells in their home environment (give them as little competing information to process as necessary).
After you have created a neutral environment, add input according to their individual needs.

9) Identify their needs and get help for them in those areas, but accept them where they are.

Really try to identify your child’s needs…everyone is different so your child may not have the same needs as another child that has the same diagnosis.
Sit down and journal or make an inventory of your child and what they have difficulty with. Seek out individuals that can help them in those areas…and then become an expert in your child’s needs in those areas from the professionals and be consistent at home.
Never get so worried about what needs to be "worked on" that you forget to accept your child - right where they are.

10) Take care of their parent and family.

Take care of yourself…you are the only mom/dad that your child will have. Tell and show them that you love them by taking care of yourself.