Children can be our greatest joy. Through early childhood and those teenage years beyond, how we relate to each other changes. Some parents and children sail through the early years but find the junior high and high school time particularly difficult. That relationship in which your child shared his daily activities. Troubles with a friend, or last night’s exciting dream is gone too soon. In his place, you have a teenager who sounds like the son or daughter you love but whose actions and choices bear no resemblance to the person you use to know. Your attempts at conversations are met with sullen silence, and you worry about the secrecy that is at the core of this new and strange relationship.

For a blind parent of any child, communication is necessary. It is through words we know where we stand. How do your children feel about your blindness? Are they teased by friends? If they are younger, how do you handle transportation issues, play dates with friends, conferences with teachers? Is homework difficult?

If your teenager has his or her own wheels, how does this increased independence affect disciplinary efforts when needed?

No matter how hard they try, kids and parents run in to troubles. Some children end up in the court system. How does that reflect on your efforts as a parent?

On our next Issues Facing Persons Who are Blind, let’s discuss parenting from the heart and share your experiences. Tell us what has worked and what hasn’t. It is tough to be a parent, and it is rough to be a child. Both have much to learn from each other. At its best, parenthood is a heartwarming, lovely experience. At its worst, it is filled with desperation, frustration, anger, and fear. Most of us do the parenting thing pretty well and fall somewhere in between. Let’s talk about one of the most rewarding relationships we’ll have.

Host: Ken Metz
E-Mail: kenmetz@dslextreme.com