It's that time of year again. Here are some tips about learning with disabilities for children of special needs as they go back to school:
- Talk to your child about riding the bus; read books about the first day of school.
- Get your child a good haircut and a sharp back-to-school outfit. If your budget is tight, shop consignment shops or garage sales in upscale neighborhoods, where name brands are sold at a fraction of their original cost.
- Good grooming and up-to-date clothing are big self-esteem boosters for any child. They're especially important for special-needs kids who are often judged more harshly by their appearance.
- Never forget that your child is a child first, not a disability. As a special parent, expect your child to be treated with the same dignity and respect afforded any other child.
Judy Winter is a mother and award-winning writer.