Balancing dependence and independence

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HealthWiki > Helping Children Who Are Blind > Chapter 17: As Your Child Gets Older > Balancing dependence and independence

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

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.

I can pick beans just like my big brother does.

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.

Chen, thebasket is heavy, and the ground is so bumpy. Could you please carry my basket?

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.

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.

This page was updated:22 Jan 2025