3 min read | Posted on March 7, 2021
As the parent of a child with learning disabilities, you face unique challenges. Your little one may find schoolwork frustrating, for example, or face hurdles when it comes to socializing and making friends. The influx in remote learning due to COVID-19 may exacerbate challenges. According to the Southwest Journal, “Zoom school” is especially tough on kids with learning disabilities. There are steps you can take to help.
Introducing your child to the arts can be beneficial. Light Wire Theater reveals that kids with disabilities can use art to gain confidence, express emotions, and enhance communication skills. Healthy Talbot is dedicated to helping families discover the value of such innovative approaches to child-rearing. Read on to find out how you can help your child with disabilities discover the arts and benefit from their newfound creative pastime.
Find the right activity to suit your child’s needs
There are many different ways to practice the creative arts, from painting to dancing. Explore the many options together with your child until you find something they truly enjoy. Scholastic offers some ideas on what types of activities may suit what types of special needs kids. For example, children with visual disabilities may enjoy aurally-driven hobbies like music.
Further, consider whether your child will benefit from more independent versus more communal activities. Kids who have trouble socializing may grow with activities that require them to interact in a constructive way with others, such as theater. Meanwhile, kids with attention deficit disorders or autism may enjoy expressing themselves through dance.
Look to the internet for resources and inspiration
You don’t have to be an artist yourself to help your little one discover their creative talents. The internet has all the resources you need — often for free. For example, if your kid has discovered the joy of playing piano, you can find easy tutorials online via YouTube. If your kid is into painting, look for online courses they can easily do at home. Fatherly lists diverse online art courses for kids, including Kitchen Table Classroom and Nature’s Art Club.
The internet is also a great place to find and learn about inspirational role models that can help encourage your child on their artistic journey of self-discovery. Famed artist Frida Kahlo suffered from various disabilities, for example. As Respectability explains, she had polio as a child, which left her with lifelong hurdles. Meanwhile, Greatest provides a list of creative stars with ADHD, including Solange Knowles and Emma Watson.
Consider taking your arts teaching to the next level
You may find that sharing a love of arts and crafts with your child is extremely rewarding. In this case, why not take your passion for teaching to the next level? There are many other children out there who would surely benefit from your skills as an educator. Study.com provides details on how you can become a formal art teacher. That said, you can also work as a tutor in more casual environments, like online.
If you end up turning your penchant for teaching into a money-making business, consider formally establishing your entrepreneurial enterprise as a limited liability company. An LLC offers tax benefits and can help protect your assets in case of legal issues. Instead of paying a pricey lawyer to set up your LLC, consider using a business formation service like ZenBusiness. This will streamline the process and save money.
Discovering arts and crafts with your child is a wonderful way to bond. If your little one has learning disabilities, they may also benefit from their newfound hobby. The above guide can help you introduce them to a new pastime that’s both fun and beneficial.
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Photo Credit: Pexels.com
Author: Lillian Brooks, lillian@learningdisabilities.info