Tips when Dealing with Parents of Children with Disabilities

Parents of children with disabilities can be overly sensitive and overprotective of their children. Despite your best intentions, you could upset or offend parents by asking inappropriate questions. If providing services to children with disabilities, make a good first impression with parents by being welcoming and displaying a positive attitude. Put parents at ease by asking supportive questions as to how best to care for their child and including their child in the conversation.

A Positive Attitude

• Greet the parents with an inviting tone and positive attitude. If their child accompanies them, introduce yourself to the child with a warm smile and cheerful greeting. Make it clear to the parents that you want to provide a supportive environment for their child and that it's important to you that their child feels welcome to the group. This attitude will reassure parents and give them confidence that you're happy to accept their child and are willing to meet any special requirements that their child may have.

Building Trust

• Let parents know that you'll treat their child in the same way you would all children.

  Make it clear to the parents that their child will be treated with the same level of respect that's given to any child with or without special needs. Explain to the parents that their child will not be viewed solely as a child with a disability but as a child who wants to have fun and be included with the group. Building a level of trust with the parents will make it easier to discuss any behavior-related concerns because the parents will be less likely to think you're singling out their child based on his special needs.

Specific Questions

• If the child is going to be placed in your care, ask the parents specific questions during your initial meeting. This will show the parents that you want to provide the best possible care and appropriate services for their child. Specific questions to ask include: "What activities does your child enjoy" and "Are there any tasks in which your child will need assistance, such as feeding herself, washing her hands, or going to the bathroom?" Find out from the parents if their child has any dietary requirements, allergies to certain foods, and any medications that need to be administered.

The Wrong Questions

• Address the parents in the same way you would any other parent. If their child is with them, don't ignore the child. Include the child in the conversation, regardless of his disability. Look at the child when talking about him, and treat the parents and the child with respect at all times. Avoid asking questions that imply something is wrong with the child in his current state. "What's wrong with your child" or "Will he/she grow up to be normal" will not only put parents on the defensive but also offend them.