Read: "Social connectedness -- the extent to which people have friendships, engage in social activity, and feel a sense of belonging -- positively correlates with a sense of empowerment and with overall quality of life. Interpersonal connections, friendships, and belonging play important roles in an individual's emotional and physical well-being. It is well recognized that our social activities help define us as people and promote self-esteem." -- Tom Fish and Paula Rabidoux, Next Chapter Book Club, this week's featured book.
Reflect: What interpersonal connections has my child made? Do I make sure my child has opportunities to strengthen those connections?
Respond: If there are kids at school with whom your child seems to have connected, try doing a weekend "club" version of my Camp Mom program. It's a good way to build bonds of friendship and experience between kids with special needs.
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Cover image courtesy of Woodbine House
Making friends for any child can be scary and intimidating, but when it is successful, children can meet people who may be a part of their life for a long time. As we all know, friends are an important part of growing up. Children with special needs are no different. They need that experience as well. If your child is non-verbal and/or has physical challenges, it may be a task that involves creativity and planning. Here are a few ideas that may help you get started:
Get a class list
Ask the teacher if it is okay for them to share the names and contact information of the students in the classroom. This list of names gives you an opportunity to talk with your student about the children in the class. If it seems that your child has interest in a few, you may try contacting the parents.
One day while visiting my son’s classroom, I noticed another child putting his arm around my son and trying to sit next to him. I made contact with the mom and we had a “playdate” at our house – playing in our backyard sandbox.
Once you speak with another child’s family, try finding a place that would meet the needs of both children. Parks, local libraries and the movies can be some places to start.
These playdates should be short – 1-2 hours. Communication between both families needs to be clear so that everyone knows what is to be expected. I recommend that both children have a parent or family member present during the time together.
Last year, I found out that my son held hands each day with the boy in the wheelchair next to him on the bus. We invited this boy and his sister over for a movie and popcorn. When the family arrived, my son went wild – his excitement was unbelievable. The nervousness, trepidation and worry I had, disappeared immediately and I knew that the risk I took was well worth it.