How To Get Invited To Parties As Parents With A Disabled Child
It is never easy for any parent to cope with their child feeling hurt for being neglected and left out. But what if you are a parent with a disabled child? One doesn’t need to be a psychologist to know the answer. In most cases, parents of kids with a disability tend to be extra protective. But a situation like exclusion or negligence works as a catalyst that grinds the shield they build around their kids.
One of the most common situations where specially-abled kids face these traumatic moments is birthday parties. Here either those kids end up not getting invited, or if invited, they feel isolated amidst other kids. As a parent, they have nothing to do other than observe their earnest efforts to protect their children crumble to dust. This situation for any parent is nightmarish, and often as a fightback, parents end up boycotting those people and parties.
But does that reduce the immense heartbreak of their kids? I think you know the answer. Does that imply that there is no way out of this agony for your kid? Don’t think so. Together let us give it a try to rectify common inhibitions about specially-abled people. Let us try to cheer him up.
What To Do And What Not To Do
- Do Make The First Move
The first thing that you need to realize is that you can never force anyone to be affectionate with your child. But that doesn’t always imply that all those who have excluded your kid are deliberately hurting and intentionally avoiding any connection with your kid. In cases of autism, down syndrome, or cerebral palsy, it is sincerely noticed that autistic kids themselves are not expressive of their internal feelings in ways that non-disabled kids are used to.
Thus the former fail to communicate with even those they feel comfortable with. Hence, your primary focus is to convey your urge to his classmates and kids from his neighborhood by inviting them to your place. While inviting those kids, don’t forget to include their parents too. A personal phone call can be immensely helpful in building a bridge that connects your kid with others whom your child was lacking to make any connection with.
If parents of those other kids come to know how much this get-together would mean for you and your kid, I can assure you that half of your work is done. As those parents will gradually come to know you and your child, the chances of inclusion of your child at the upcoming playdates are bound to increase.
- Don’t Hesitate Talking About This Agony With Your Kid
It would be a great initiative to showcase yourself as the safest place for your kid to come to and share all the heartbreaks with. Even if your child cannot share what he feels, once you ensure your kid is loved and wanted, they will feel comfortable at least giving it a try. Creative approaches like drawing pictures with feelings or writing a story together can be the best medicine to cure his pain of isolation.
But there is something that one should be very particular about. Sharing your agony with your kid can sometimes backfire, as you make your child feel responsible for your sorrow. You surely don’t want that.
- Do Find The Right Tribe For Your Kid
Another must-do is connecting your child with other specially-abled kids, especially those with the same disability. This is easier if your child comes from a therapeutic school. Otherwise, it would be best if you focused on social media groups or special events and gatherings for their clan. It is organic if a friendship develops at school, but that doesn’t mean that if your kid is not from any therapeutic institution, he can’t build his tribe. Initially, these experiences may seem weird, but it is easier to build a friendship with someone within their community.
- Don’t Try to Build A Large Group
Your kid must have a couple of friends whom they consistently talk about. Spot them out and reach out to their parents. If you find yourself on the page with them, your kids can get frequent social meetups or playdates. And once your kid is bright and smiling, what else can you want as a parent?
- Do Avoid The Heartless And Plan Unique Alternatives
Sometimes people can be immensely heartless. You can plan a movie, go shopping or even have a feast on that very day. But if someone ignores your child to participate in a birthday party, does that mean your child will be deprived of having a fun time? Planning something essential can also help your kid forget this agony if kept busy. You can follow it up with dinner and end it with the ice cream of your own choice.
Final Thoughts
Being a parent, you must be very particular about the people you want your kid to initiate a relationship with. It would be best to convey your story only to those who wish to understand you and your kid. Else it may end on a depressing note for your kid, which no parent wishes to happen. But you will never be able to monitor your kid away from those insensitive creatures.