You are at eyeway.org : inform : parenting :support for parents and caregivers : chapter 15

Chapter 15: When you first learn your child cannot see well

As a parent, you may find it comforting to know that these strong emotions can help you cope, and at the same time can help you begin to take action to help your child. For example, denial may keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the sudden changes in your life. Some parents say that anger or frustration has given them energy to help their child and to reach out and help other families of children with disabilities.

You, your partner, and your family will probably feel some of these emotions and react to them in different ways. It is best to let each person feel the emotions in his or her own way, without judgment.

These emotions will slowly become less strong. Over time, you will begin to realize that your child has the same needs for love, affection, discipline, and learning as other children. And, like all children, she will give you much support, pleasure and joy. The fact that she cannot see well will become less important.

Many of these emotions will probably return at important times in your child's life, like when she starts school. The fact that they come back does not mean something is wrong. It just means that you are going through another period of adapting to your child and her disability. Usually the emotions will be less strong than the first time you had them.

Previous part of chapter | Next part of chapter

Note: Any organisation or person wishing to copy, reproduce or adapt any or all part of the book for the promotion of community eye care and for public welfare without commercial benefit is encouraged to do so, subject to the written permission obtained and acknowledged in the printed copy.

go to top

Back to Book Index

If you are using a screen reader, you can jump to the navigational links to other areas of the site by clicking here

Eyeway intends building a community where people can share and learn from each other. If you would like to share your experiences about Parenting with others, please send us your write-up at inspiration@eyeway.org. We shall include it as part of our website.

Printer-friendly version | Mail this page to a friend