How To Teach Your Child To Befriend Someone With Special Needs

As today is World Down Syndrome Day, it’s fitting that we shine the spotlight on families of children with special needs. Chances are, your child will meet someone with special needs, and it’s crucial that we educate them on how to treat them with love and respect. Studies show that kids who interact with special needs people at an early age will develop more empathy, helping them to be more inclusive and understanding of different types of people later in life.

Singaporean society is becoming more inclusive of people with special needs – companies like Uniqlo, Starbucks and women’s clothing store MLB have been making a special effort to hire people with special needs.

Still, we have a long way to go: a survey by local philanthropic house Lien Foundation found that only one in 10 Singaporeans feels confident in interacting with special needs children. In fact, 64 per cent believe Singaporeans are willing to share public spaces, but not interact with the special needs community.

Here’s how to teach kids to befriend kids with special needs, and be comfortable around them.

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/family/parenting/singapore-children-special-needs-world-down-syndrome-day/

How To Teach Your Child To Befriend Someone With Special Needs

1. Ask Them To Smile, Not Stare

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Staring at anyone makes them feel uncomfortable, and this is especially true for someone with special needs. A simple smile is much better, as it will put the child at ease and let them know you and your kids mean well.

2. Encourage Them To Be Gentle

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Sometimes, kids with special needs may be shy or sensitive. Still, it doesn’t mean they can’t interact with other kids. Let your kids chat with them, and be careful they don’t play too roughly or loudly. Instead, ask them to peak to them gently and in a friendly tone.

3. Teach Patience

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Kids with special needs often need a little more time to warm up to new people. If they take a while to respond to your children: keep reaching out, but get them to hold back if you sense they are unwilling to respond, or feeling uncomfortable in the moment.

4. Explain Things Simply

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If your child asks why their friend with special needs looks or seems different, give simple explanations they can understand. For instance, you can explain that his friend with Down Syndrome is smaller in size because he grows a little slower.

5. Teach Him Not To Call Names

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Kids can be unintentionally cruel by calling attention to differences. Make it clear that name-calling and ridicule is not acceptable, and will be hurtful. Encourage empathy by asking your child how he would feel if their positions were reversed. Ask him to stand up for his friend with special needs if he sees him being bullied.

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How To Teach Your Child To Befriend Someone With Special Needs

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