March 6, 2017 | By: Kelly Mastin
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
When we turned 18, we became legal adults. We grew up, we made our own choices. We were adults and lived the lives we wanted to live.
That is exactly how it’s supposed to be—how it’s meant to be.
Children need lots of guidance. As they get older, they gain more responsibilities, which carry with them new possible consequences. Eventually, thoughtful, wise parents literally work themselves out of a job.
It happens gradually, but it happens. Parents are always available to offer advice and guidance, but those parents allow their children to spread their wings and fly.
This natural order is also true for our children with disabilities.
Maturation and gaining independence may not happen as soon as for other children, but the process is the essentially the same. Parents or other caregivers may always be especially involved in their child's life, but parents should aim to instill independence—whether our child has a disability or not.
Begin today. Expectations will vary per child, but aim high! It may not work this way for a child with complex needs or severe disabilities but you can still think of ways for them to gain some independence.
Ways to Teach Independence and Responsibility:
Start your child on the way to independence and the freedom of adulthood. Work yourself out of your job of parenting and help your child spread their wings.
Find more information on transition on this website.
As a parent of an older son with disabilities, I have struggled with his education in math and reading for most of his school career. As parents, we sometimes have unrealistic goals for our children. However, at some point, we must pause and think about the future.
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
Today, people with disabilities have more options than ever before. They can attend college, go to work and live independently. But they need a good start through school and community experiences. As a hands-on and informed parent, you can help your child gain the skills they need for self-determination.
Categories: Transition to Adulthood
In Texas, when a child with a disability turns 14, they should begin attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings with their parents. It’s the time to create a Transition Plan for life after high school.
Categories: Transition to Adulthood