Inclusivity matters, even if your child doesn’t have special needs. Everyone craves human contact and acceptance, and inclusive spaces offer havens from bullying and a much-needed social outlet. It helps little ones develop mentally, physically, and emotionally when they have ongoing exposure to various people with different interests and abilities from all walks of life.
However, it can feel challenging to find safe spaces. The problem compounds if your little one has sensory issues or disabilities that make them perceive themselves as different from their peers.
Where should you look for the healthy socialization your child needs to thrive? Here are five inclusive resources for your family.
1. Your Faith Community
Your faith community can be a glorious source of inclusive resources. Please know you’re not alone if you feel skeptical. Unfortunately, some people raised in faiths that espouse exclusionary ideologies may hesitate, thanks to religious faith syndrome. If this situation applies to you, applaud yourself for wanting to protect your child from the adverse experiences you endured. However, realize there are also fabulous communities that adhere to religious messages of acceptance, peace, and love.
Pay attention when selecting a community. For example, many faiths challenge traditional gender roles, encouraging you to examine the role of parental authority in your home and rejecting placing “religious baggage” on your kids. Such associations make you a better parent, placing you less in the role of omnipotent “substitute god” and returning you to the position of a caring human who guides your children through life to the best of your ability.
Here, your child can socialize with others who see them as people first. Instead of feeling shamed or fearful of discussing their reality because of potential ridicule, they can open up to others about their struggles and celebrate their triumphs with a community that supports their progress.
2. Online Academies
Online learning existed before the pandemic, but it’s more of an option for many parents today than ever. You may feel safer with your child in such an environment, especially if they have health conditions that leave them at severe risk of complications from COVID-19. The world may have moved on, but the stakes remain for vulnerable populations.
Learning online gives you more supervision over your child’s schooling. However, it’s still crucial to pick the right environment. Ask yourself the following questions when selecting an online school:
- What is the time requirement? How many hours is your child expected to devote to daily online learning and homework?
- What is the curriculum focus? Are they a “strictly academics” institution? Or do they implement social and emotional learning that may benefit your unique child?
- How do students interact with each other? School serves a valuable social function. Do instructors encourage interaction through collaborative activities? Are there opportunities for in-person interactions, such as field trips?
- How can I monitor my child’s progress? Many online schools offer greater transparency, letting you check your child’s grade book and communicate with teachers electronically in real-time. They also allow parents to observe online learning sessions.
3. Your Local Recreational Center
Your local parks and recreation department can also be a valuable place to find inclusive resources for your family. It’s a boon in helping them get the physical activity they need to grow and thrive, especially if they learn online and spend considerable time sitting at a screen.
Seek sports opportunities and talk to the coach before enrolling your little one. Ask the following questions:
- Do they give equal play time to all participants? Do they emphasize only letting the “stars” play in certain games? No child wants to sit on the bench or feel inferior.
- Do they actively discourage jeering and parental interference? Some parents don’t teach their children good sportsmanship, yelling and insulting other players and coaches alike from the stands. Look for teams that forbid such behavior and have no trouble ousting those who violate the rules.
Your local recreation department is a great place to engage in non-competitive physical activities to help your child grow and thrive while nurturing their mental health. For example, many area YMCAs feature swimming pools. Most kids love the water and find it equally soothing for their psyche and muscles.
4. Your Nearest Public Library
Your nearest public library offers more than books for your child to dive into to escape a chaotic outer world. They also provide supplementary learning programs and fun, inclusive activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
For example, many such facilities offer computer classes. Do you also love an older relative who struggles at the keyboard? Here’s a fun idea: Why not sign your toddler up for computer classes with them? Grandma or grandpa can learn a valuable skill while spending time with their grandchild, and Junior can hone their keyboard savviness in preparation for school.
Libraries also loan out more than books. Many facilities also offer a world of games that your child can use for inclusive play.
5. Thoughtfully Designed Parks and Playgrounds
All playgrounds are not created equal. Fortunately, more locations today emphasize the importance of inclusivity in their design. Look for parks that have the following features and take your child there for regular exercise. Why not sneak in some bench squats and triceps dips while you’re at it?
- A selection of physical activities: The design should include equipment for the tiniest tots and those with limited abilities.
- Sensory spaces: Sensory play engages the senses of touch, hearing, smell, and sight, encouraging children to explore the world around them.
- Quiet spaces: Some kids with sensory processing disorders can get easily overwhelmed by too much activity. Does the park offer quiet places to retreat and regroup?
Inclusive Resources for Your Family
It takes the right village to raise a child. Where can you find resources for your unique little one? Consider seeking out the places above for inclusive resources for your family. You can find the environment your little one needs to thrive.
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