8. Let the child do as much as she can for
herself. Help her only as much as is needed.
For example, if the child has trouble putting on
clothes because of spasticity, help by bending her
shoulders and back forward, but let her pull on her
clothes herself.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT 299
Explanation
This is the “Golden Rule of
Rehabilitation.” When a child has
trouble doing something or seems
slow or clumsy at it, parents
often want to ‘help’ by doing it
for her. However, for the child’s
development, it will help her more
to let her do it herself—providing
encouragement but assisting only
in ways that let her do more for
herself.
cp
9. The child often learns best when no
teacher is present.
Explanation
Children often try hardest when
they want something a lot, and no
one is there to help. Teaching is
important, but so is giving the child
a chance to explore, test his own
limits, and do things for and by
himself.
10. G et older brothers and sisters to
demonstrate new equipment.
Explanation
Some children may refuse to try,
or will be afraid of new playthings,
aids, or special seating. If another
child tries it first, and shows he
likes it, the child will often want to
try it also.
REMEMBER: Good teaching will make a difference. How well you teach, play, and
express affection is more important than how much time you spend at it.
disabled village children