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Play the game every day. As the baby grows
stronger, less of his weight will need to be held up.
In time he may be able to crawl without help.
• Little by little. But remember, some things are
especially difficult for the child with a disability.
Encourage her to do a little more than she
already does—and then a little more. If you have
her try to do too much, she may get discouraged
and stop trying.
• Show you care. Show the child how glad you
are when she learns to do new things.
• Mind over body. Play often with the child,
in ways that help her develop not only her
body but also her mind. Talk with her and
tell her stories. Carry her about. Become
her friend.
Children in Mexico playing a
‘crawling game’.
HOW CHILDREN CAN HELP A
CHILD WITH A DISABILITY
There are many ways that children can help
a baby or young child with a special problem to
learn to do new things. Here are some ideas:
• Make it fun! If exercises can be turned into
games, the child will learn faster and everyone
will enjoy it more.
• Self-help. Help the disabled child only as much
as he needs. Encourage him to do as much as
he can for himself and by himself.
A rope swing
like this can
help a child
who is lame
to help herself
learn to
walk—
in a way
that is fun!
Are there any babies or young children in your
village who have disabilities or special problems?
Perhaps the other children can take turns playing
with these children and helping their families.
Sometimes children with disabilities are not
given a chance to go to school because their
parents are afraid they will find things too difficult.
Perhaps a group of school children can visit the
child’s family. They can offer to take her to school,
help in whatever way they can, and be her friend.
This could make a big difference in that child’s life.
CHILD-to-child!
A simple bar held by forked sticks
can increase the self-reliance of a
child who has difficulty squatting
to shit.
REMEMBER—
ALWAYS BE FRIENDLY!