Birth Defects Present Summer Vacation Challenges

Living with a birth defect is hard for a family, but even harder on the child. Systemic abnormalities are a lesser challenge, simply because they may be hidden easily yet outward deformities present an almost daily gauntlet of furtive looks or downright questions. Interestingly, if the family maintains a positive outlook and utilizes good natured humor to deal with the peskier and awkward situations, the child will soon learn to follow suit and is able to deal graciously with even the most insensitive comments or questions. Yet unlike the school year where trained specialist are looking after the children in a school setting, the weeks and months of summer vacation present a challenge that some parents find hard to weather.

When children are younger, they may be content with joining a neighborhood playgroup or stay at home with mom or dad. Yet as they go through the elementary school years, the lure of camp beckons, and soon sleepovers, camp vacations and field trips are being discussed. The child wants to participate and like all children will not take no or maybe for an answer. The parent is hesitant, especially considering that this is not a carefully controlled environment where the parent has the ability to exert a large amount of control and shield the child from the ill mannered and ill tempered, but instead the child will stand a chance to get a first taste of fending for her- or himself.

Birth defects present summer vacation challenges, but with some preparation and a good deal of humor, you will find that your child can have a wonderful time at camp! Here are some tips to get your young one ready for the experience:

? Educate yourself about the camp, the activities that will be offered, and the staff to child ratio. If your child is functional without aides, a call to the camp staff should still be placed to alert them of your child’s unique situation.

? If possible, take your child to meet the camp staff prior to camp actually starting. This will help the little one to be comfortable with the surrounding while also cutting down on any awkwardness the staff may be afraid of experiencing when faced with the birth defect. In a private conversation explain which, if any, special treatment your child needs, the physical, emotional and psychological limitations, and anything else you might believe to be of value.

? Role play with your child and run through a number of scenarios, such as making new friends, dealing with a rude child, answering questions about the birth defect, explaining when the questions are getting too much for comfort, participating in activities, and so forth.

? If your child will require special assistance, you do not have to give up on summer vacation plans! There are special needs camps, day camps, playgroups, and sports club that cater to children who need some assistance. Depending on the severity of the condition, some vacation clubs are more oriented to the severely disabled, while others will focus more on those who need little assistance. Make sure you place your child in the group that most closely fits her or his level of disability.

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