172 a s y o u r c h i l d g e t s o l d e r
Balancing dependence and independence
Children like to do things that make them feel capable. A child who
is old enough to notice he is blind may also notice other children his
age are doing things that he would like to do, but cannot. He may feel
frustrated that he is not allowed to be as independent as he wants to be.
When there is no danger, give your
child as much independence as you
can so he will learn to do as much
as he can by himself. Like other
children, your child who is blind
needs to be able to take care of
himself.
I can pick beans
just like my big
brother does.
Even when he is grown up,
your child will sometimes have
to ask for help from a person
who can see. Teach your child
that everyone asks for help
sometimes.
Chen, the
basket is heavy,
and the ground
is so bumpy.
Could you
please carry
my basket?
No thank you,
Grandma. I’m a
big girl. I can put
my shirt on by
myself.
Sometimes people
offer unwanted help.
Teach your child that
accepting help is her
choice. She can simply
say “No, thank you”
when she feels she can
do something by herself.
helping children who are blind