26/07/2023
One of the realistic issues parents of neurodivergent children face is just getting them out of the house.
There are so many distractions in the home that can make leaving the house even harder than normal, gaming and tv screens being just a couple. Struggling with confidence, the thought of people watching you and loud noises make can make life tricky outside of the comfort and safety of one’s home environment.
What can we do to encourage our children to venture out? Sometimes fresh air and exercise just doesn’t cut it in the eyes of our ND kids.
Simple methods such as encouragement and praise can go long way, but, what if that’s not enough? what more can we do?
1) Small steps. Explain where your going. Ensure their safety.
2) Try and show pictures of where your going or describe the area. This will help build a picture in their mind and lessens any unwanted surprises.
3) Try and make it fun.
4) Make boundaries clear.
5) Know when enough is enough.
6) Allowing your child to be part of some decision making, giving them some form of responsibility.
n.b. I’m always proud of my kids constantly punching their own boundaries. as parents, my wife and i know it isn’t easy for them, but we are always amazed at their achievements.
