Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
19
↓
Parents of toddlers - advice on how to teach them to stay close? (self.Blind)
submitted by saharacanuck
Hi.
For context, I’m partially sighted. I don’t think she can tell that I see differently than her dad. I used to use a cane for identification purposes because drivers in my area are mad. But with a stroller, and walking slow when the sun is in my face, things seem to be ok.
Anyway, my toddler recently started walking and I have no idea how to get her to stay close. I know that’s not going to happen right away but was hoping for some advice on how to teach her the importance of not straying too far (particularly if we are walking in a crowded area or a street. I want to give her as much freedom as possible and not pass on my anxieties to her.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
For context, I’m partially sighted. I don’t think she can tell that I see differently than her dad. I used to use a cane for identification purposes because drivers in my area are mad. But with a stroller, and walking slow when the sun is in my face, things seem to be ok.
Anyway, my toddler recently started walking and I have no idea how to get her to stay close. I know that’s not going to happen right away but was hoping for some advice on how to teach her the importance of not straying too far (particularly if we are walking in a crowded area or a street. I want to give her as much freedom as possible and not pass on my anxieties to her.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
retrolental_morose 14 points 2y ago
my wife and I have no sight at all so even very young our daughter could distinguish very well. As irritating as it may be, perhaps slightly overdoing your visual difficulties will help cement them in your child's mind.
regular communication on the need to stay close, sanctions if that's not done, and bright clothing, footware with distinctive sounds or even something jingly (a bell being the heaviest option) is not out of the question with some parents. '
regular communication on the need to stay close, sanctions if that's not done, and bright clothing, footware with distinctive sounds or even something jingly (a bell being the heaviest option) is not out of the question with some parents. '
sadfactory 12 points 2y ago
They also make toddler shoes that squeak with every step! My niece had some and they are cute! It can get old listening to squeaks all day long, but the squeakers can usually be removed or turned off.
saharacanuck [OP] 8 points 2y ago
Thanks for your response. How did you deal with the anxiety?
I’m considering getting a harness for her until language development improves but I would rather just have her understand the importance of staying close.
Bright clothes on her sounds like a great idea! A bell is even better. Need to figure out how to attach one.
And you are definitely right, I probably should over exaggerate my sight issues with her. Need to figure out which situations to do that in.
Edit : I like the idea of teaching her to help me with my vision as a game, but I don’t quite know how to do that yet. Also, how to deal with hiding? She doesn’t know how to hide effectively yet but some say...
I’m considering getting a harness for her until language development improves but I would rather just have her understand the importance of staying close.
Bright clothes on her sounds like a great idea! A bell is even better. Need to figure out how to attach one.
And you are definitely right, I probably should over exaggerate my sight issues with her. Need to figure out which situations to do that in.
Edit : I like the idea of teaching her to help me with my vision as a game, but I don’t quite know how to do that yet. Also, how to deal with hiding? She doesn’t know how to hide effectively yet but some say...
retrolental_morose 9 points 2y ago
We used a wrist-strap for a short time, and the threat of it longg-term helped I think.
It doesn't have to be a big bell - a pretty jangly bracelet or something attached to a bag or coat can serve too.
As for the anxiety ... I guess it faded over time. but I'm never completely relaxed and she's almost 10 now!
It doesn't have to be a big bell - a pretty jangly bracelet or something attached to a bag or coat can serve too.
As for the anxiety ... I guess it faded over time. but I'm never completely relaxed and she's almost 10 now!
saharacanuck [OP] 7 points 2y ago
Thank you very much for your response. I really appreciate it. It makes me feel better.
Random question: I tend to give her snacks while in her pram/stroller. She always ends up having food stains on her mouth. Do you systematically do things to compensate for what you can’t see ? Like automatically wipe etc? (I only notice the foods in photos after lol)
Random question: I tend to give her snacks while in her pram/stroller. She always ends up having food stains on her mouth. Do you systematically do things to compensate for what you can’t see ? Like automatically wipe etc? (I only notice the foods in photos after lol)
retrolental_morose 3 points 2y ago
LOL absolutely. If an item of clothing gets stained, I regularly change the whole outfit to keep things natching.
Hand wiping was always followed by a face clean too.
Hand wiping was always followed by a face clean too.
ElfjeTinkerBell 4 points 2y ago
She probably doesn't know how to hide because she hasn't developed a theory of mind yet (which can take until 8 or 9 years old even in healthy children).
It's easier to go with finding objects. "Lose" something, and make it a game where she helps you find it. For example drop your keys (or whatever) somewhere you can remember but not see (very well) - and where your little one can find it. If you're lucky, she'll start asking why you can't find it. If not, you can still use those moments as small teaching moments.
It's easier to go with finding objects. "Lose" something, and make it a game where she helps you find it. For example drop your keys (or whatever) somewhere you can remember but not see (very well) - and where your little one can find it. If you're lucky, she'll start asking why you can't find it. If not, you can still use those moments as small teaching moments.
saharacanuck [OP] 5 points 2y ago
This is a great idea! Thank you. I wasn’t sure how to set up the game. She loves finding things I hide.
Defenestrar1 2 points 2y ago
Squeaky shoes are awesome (it's the same type of squeak that are in pet toys). I remember our daughter loved running up and down the aisles in Home Depot and we knew exactly where she was and how fast she was going even if she ran around to the next aisle before we were done in the first. It also let us know that she was close enough to hear us (e.g. so we could call her back if she started to get too far). We found it useful for encouraging her sense of exploration and freedom without causing us too much anxiety.
At that age pretty much everyone thinks the squeaky kid is adorable. It's also a useful alert to other people that someone shorter than their cart is in the area.
At that age pretty much everyone thinks the squeaky kid is adorable. It's also a useful alert to other people that someone shorter than their cart is in the area.
saharacanuck [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Haha someone shorter than their cart or elbow... yup that is definitely important.:) I had never heard of squeaky shoes. Is it a type of shoe or just shoes that are kind of squeaky ?
Defenestrar1 2 points 2y ago
You should find them if you do a search for "squeaky shoes for toddlers" on Amazon. They're shoes that essentially have a small air bladder attached to a dog toy squeak inserted in the heel. It's been over a decade since we bought them last and I don't remember where we got them, but they're still around.
Ant5477 1 points 2y ago
Greetings, my name is Anthony, I have a show in titled 3rd eye visions in which I bring awareness to both the blind and cited community; I would like to invite you on my show an interview you for a segment entitled blind parenting, if you are interested and want to know more about the show, let me know
Rosllyn 3 points 2y ago
Just wanted to say thanks for asking this question, I am in the same boat, my son is 20 months and running around like crazy. The only thing I’ve done is just run after him and stay close enough (which on occasion has led to my stroller abandoned rolling down a hill...) there are some good ideas here though! It’s also nice to know I’m not alone in my parenting anxieties.
saharacanuck [OP] 2 points 2y ago
We can support each other lol
bradley22 0 points 2y ago
Perhaps you could use rains?
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.