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I am sharing my most recent article, published in Raising Teens Magazine , in the October 2012 issue.
In this article, I offer tips and strategies on how to challenge your adolescent, even if she or he has special needs. Too often, parents find themselves 'doing a lot' for their teen because of a disability or area of weakness. However, you may be doing a disservice to your teen who is ready to be held to the higher standards that you have set for your other children, younger and older. You will see that you will be pleasantly surprised as a parent when you hold your teen with special needs to age-appropriate (or modified) but higher standards for behavior, social skills, academics, and responsibilities around your home. Read on and let me know what you think!
3 Comments
11/15/2012 02:58:46 am
Great article. Its so important to empower all teens, which will foster responsibility, accountability and positive self esteem. When we deny them those opportunities, especially due to a disability, we unintentionally send the message that they are dependent and lack certain capacities. The same can be said for giving advice or attempting to solve all of their problems for them. The message is "your not a competent person capable of creating your own solutions". Teaching them to brainstorm and generate solutions helps to foster independence. 11/15/2012 03:22:45 am
Jennifer Weberman, Psy.D.- thank you for your thoughts and feedback. I agree with your wholeheartedly!
Joanne Keilty
11/20/2012 08:56:43 am
This is a great article!! It is essential for professionals working with special needs children and their families that we must always presume competance for the children/young adults. If we believe in them and offer lots of encouragement/support, it is amazing how our special needs students can rise to the occassion, be proud and achieve great things. Leave a Reply. |
Dr. Liz MatheisDr Liz Matheis and her team specialize in assisting children and their families with Anxiety, Autism, AD/HD, Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Struggles Archives
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