Here are some suggestions to help you to enable your child's growth toward independence.

1. Hold your child. Cuddle him, talk to him, kiss him. This is the best way to show your love to him.
2. Talk to your child about things in the environment (the home, the community, the outdoors, the world). Remember, your child may not be able to learn by watching,. She learns from the things she hears, smells, tastes and touches.
3. Explain to your child what is going to happen. He will be less frightened about a doctor's visit or going to a new place or meeting new people if he knows what to expect.
4. Give your child freedom to safely explore around the house and other places that you go. Don't over-react to bumps and scrapes. If you learn to take them in your stride, so will she. She will be able to learn best by doing.
5. Ask your child to help you plan. Such questions as "What shall we have for supper?" or "Shall we make the beds first?" or "What shall we get at the grocery store?" help him to feel useful and important.
6. Ask your child to help with household tasks. Bringing clean diapers for the baby, helping to clear the table, or getting a cookie for little sister, are all ways she can help.
7. Encourage your child to talk about his feelings. Help him to understand what happiness, anger and sadness mean.
8. When your child asks questions about her blindness, answer them in a clear, simple manner. Do not avoid talking about blindness with her.
9. Help your child develop a positive self-image. When he likes himself and thinks of himself as a capable person, others around him will think this way too.
10. Let your child know that you are proud of her and that she is important to you. This is done by the way you treat her as well as what you say to her.
11. Provide lots of opportunities for your child to interact with other children. He needs friends and will learn so much from them.
12. Do not excuse unacceptable behavior. A blind child must follow the same rules his brothers and sisters follow.