Growing up with a disability is not easy. Being different can sometimes be frustrating and children with special needs may find themselves comparing themselves with other children. This may cause insecurities and demotivation on their part.
It’s a challenge for parents to help their kids overcome this when it happens. They will need a lot of support and encouragement to be motivated. Thus, here are some effective strategies to help them stay motivated:
Positive reinforcement
Praising the child for something that he/she does even if it’s a little thing can be a great way to motivate them. A positive attitude towards them when they do something wrong or fail at something can also boost their confidence. Words of encouragement sometimes work better than reprimanding them. May it be verbal or some kind of reward system, positive reinforcement is a good kind of motivator.
Figure out their interests
Children feel more motivated when they enjoy and love what they’re doing. Find out their interests and help them discover the things they’re passionate about. It will give them a sense of purpose and motivate them to pursue the things they love.
Physical Activities
Encourage children with special needs to engage in sports and play. Exercising can help improve their muscles and boost their mood. Play therapy also promotes self-expression and provides them with a sense of accomplishment.
Music Therapy
Music can help develop a child’s language skills, especially for children with autism. The repetitive phrases can improve the way they talk, and they are able to change their monotonous speech patterns by singing through the music rhythm. It can also provide them with an opportunity to socialize and interact with other children.
Get the family involved
The best support you can give to a child with special needs is the support of the whole family. It’s important to make them feel like they are no different from the other members of the family. The love and support they get and feel at home reflect the way they see themselves and face life ahead of them.