|
Family Fun -
Playtime for Kids
|
|
If you have a child who has special needs and you want to get the most out of playtime, then you are going to have to stick with a set of rules. Of course, these rules may change from one child to the next but here are 11 ways in which you can reap the benefits of constructive play with your special needs child:
Play their way. Encourage your child to play the games they enjoy so that they will be able to feel good about their playtime. Take this time to introduce your child to new things. If your child has a social disability, it may seem that they are not interested in new things. However, by introducing your child to a new game or activity you may find something new that they enjoy. As such, you are building their experiences and broadening their learning. Find other people who have the same interests as your child. While this may seem impossible, you simply need to check out disability support groups. Here you will meet many like-minded people who would be more than willing to share some social contact. If you choose to go places, then go whenever you know that there will not be a crowd. Let your child lead while you follow. By allowing your child to express themselves in the way that they desire to do so, will allow them to vent their pent up frustration. Take your time to enjoy an activity. If you rush your child, things can begin to go wrong. Remember! EVERYONE makes mistakes. So, allow your child to make mistakes so that they can build up their confidence and resilience to failure. Do not force your child to conform to social norms. Allowing your child to express themselves in their own way allows them to feel more comfortable, which is great during playtime. Utilize your child's interests. By using the subjects that they have already shown interest in, you can encourage them to engage in other activities as well.
If these things are not working for you and your child, then quit. You are not going to be able to force your child to do a specific activity or play in a certain way if they do not want to do so. Of course, you can encourage them to do so but you should never force them.
|
Family Fun 
