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In each individual, there lies a longing to have a family and/or a child of his/her own.

We all look
forward to see a replica of ourselves, to see the results of the mating of our genes to that of our better
half. As couple eagerly awaits their baby to come out from the womb of the girl, the couple, full of vivid
hope, starts to plan and dream for the future of their little angel.

But how would an expectant and excited couple react when the baby they awaited is found to
be different, one who has special needs? Would their world crumble and tear apart? Perhaps their initial
reaction would be the same –denial, dismay and disappointments, but as time goes by, each parent
would then have varying reaction simply because individuals differ from each other, and human tends to
react differently to every given stimuli and/or situation. Some, perhaps, would learn to accept the
reality though in varying degree depending on one’s values and virtues. For how long will it takes for the
parents to accept the reality of having a special child, it depends on the parents’ ability in coping up with
life’s stressful situations.

Children, even those who have special needs, are gifts from above. It’s not their fault why they
were born different. They, in fact, did not ask to be born, it’s the parents who brought them into this
world and so they are their parents’ obligations. They, just like any other normal children, deserve to be
loved and cared for.

Humans have tendency to treat with coldness and disrespect those who are weak especially
those who are different. The world tends to be indifferent and cruel to them; their future may be bleak
but the parents have all the power to ensure that their children’s future will be bright with the help of
God Almighty.

To be a parent is easy but parenting is another matter, more so, if the child is one who has
special needs. It requires a double effort, a responsible parenthood w/c is a multifaceted role- the
ultimate goal for all parents. Achieving their goal, however, is not easy task. In fact, it takes a constant
painstaking effort to be able to reach the goal. Parental concerns include creating an environment that
will build up their child’s self-confidence. Aside from providing physical and verbal affections such as
cuddling, talking and hugging that would boost the child’s morale and self-worth, parents must provide
their special child with avenues to his/her general well-being. With a positive parental support, a special
child could be as lovable and as productive as normal children do.

Considering that parents are humans, hence, not perfect, acceptance on their part would not
come as easy as one perceives it to be. Life for the entire family would be more stressful and more
complex. It would have a domino- effect to all the members. The family would experience emotional,
social and financial upheavals. They would be in dilemma on how to handle the situation and this is
especially true to those families of poor economic status who do not have the conducive dwellings and
resources to cater the needs of their special child. Raising such a child means more expenses, more
time, more effort, and more emotions to invest. The human tendency of the parents to burn out is big
and so, some measures must be taken before it will happen. The parents shall find a support group-
from their own family, from friends, from their church and from their community. With these at hand
and through God’s enabling grace, life would be bearable for the couple. Again, the great Filipino adage
“Kayang-kaya, basta’t sama-sama” proves to be true.

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