CHALLENGED CHILDREN AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES

If your child has invited one of their challenged playmates as a guest to their birthday party, this can bring up some anxiety about adjustments that may need to be made. In fact there probably won't be many adjustments to make. Just be aware of some obvious practicalities.

If your child's friend is a classmate from school then they are probably already aware of what their friend can and can't do. If you feel you need some special advice, speak with the child's parents. Chances are their parent may let you know before the party if there is anything special you need to know. If in doubt, follow these suggestions to ensure your child's awareness of the needs of physically and mentally challenged children. And ensure your child also understands this advice.

* Don't hold back in offering assistance to someone, but don't just jump right in. Ask first, or wait for the child to ask for help.

* Just because a child is in a wheelchair, this doesn't mean that they are sick. Children need to use wheelchairs for a variety of reasons and they may otherwise be quite healthy and strong.

* It's easier and much more comfortable for everyone concerned if you sit down when you are talking to someone in a wheelchair, then you're both on the same level.

* Feel free to use words like "run", "walk", "hear" and "see" when you're talking to someone who can't do one or any of these things. The child will understand what you mean. Actually, it's more unnatural to try to avoid these words than it is to use them. In the same vein, it's okay to ask someone with a speech impediment to repeat what they said.

* If your guest is hearing challenged and using an interpreter, be sure to talk
directly to that person, and not their interpreter.

* Be careful not to shout when speaking to blind people. They hear just as well as you do - in fact sometimes better.

Be confident to invite your child's friends with disabilities to sleep over, play games or join in other party activities. Be creative and think about ways to include them in all activities. When planning an activity, ask yourself if you
would be able to do it if you were challenged in the same way as your party guest.

Article Source: http://www.therepozitory.com.au

Mary-Lou Halvorson is a mother of two children and creator of Groovy Kids Parties. Mary-Lou offers many more ideas for Kids Birthday Parties with Free Party Games; Novelty Birthday Cake Ideas with photos and instructions; Kids Birthday Theme Party Ideas; Free Birthday Invitations and drawings to download. To access more ideas for organising a fun birthday party for your child visit her website at www.groovy-kids-parties.com.

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