Category: Parent Talk
This does not exist in the US for blind parents, for any blind parents for that matter. Not sure of dates, but I've got some good ideas. So, I'm asking for ideas/suggestions of what you'd like to see on a site just for us!
I think this is a really good thing. I'm certainly not a parent, but I've heard that the reason a lot of parents get stressed is because they have nowhere to go where they can talk to people who are going through the same thing at the same time. I definitely support this.
Thank you.:) I also want it to be for educational and advecacy purposes as well.
Well, for sure. a place to give and receive advice, to share stories, and many other things. I'm sorry I can't really be of more help.
No problem!:) I like what you've said so far.
I think one thing that might be cool is to have a wide variety of parents on the site... expectant parents, parents of newborns or toddlers or teenagers or whatever.
Also, for those of us with sighted partners, I think it might be a good idea to have a place for them to ask questions about blind parents that they may not feel comfortable or know how to ask their spouse.
Does this make sense?
I love this idea and was thinking or starting one myself; I would love to help out in any way I can.
Crazy Kate
yeah. I think that's a really good idea. Maybe even some parents whose kids have already moved out, so they have the entire experience to share.
Yes, it'll definitely be for ALL parents, but specifically to meet the needs of blind parents and their families. I've even thought of a board for the sighted children of blind parents to talk and share the unique situation of growing up with parents who can't see. All very good ideas. Keep it up!
@Crazy Kate: You'll have to PM me your email address so I can get help if I need it.
I'm not a parent, but it's refreshing to know someone is willing and ready to take initiative to move things forward. great job!!
I agree with the last post.
Plus it's all to rare to find any parents' site for parents of teenagers that isn't a promoter of the walled garden approach where every act of the child is scrutinized. Am I weird for remembering my teenage years and just how useless something like that approach really is?
And for empty nesters too; I know a guy who's just going into that and said it's really hard, you have been bustin' your hump for years for your kids, now they're gone, and a large part of your purpose in life is pretty much over. Most parenting sites are aimed at babies - possibly because that population is most online-savvy, but still.
Good on you for a. pursuing this, and b. taking initiative.
Thank you!:)
Sunshine and Rain, I sent you an email.
Got it
I also think this is a wonderful idea. Perhaps, you could post about this to some of the main blindness organisations, ACB, NFB, AFB even drop a letter to APH. They might write an article on it because they're interested in education. Truly, something like this should exist, and it will also help those blind people who may wish to become parents but who are too scared or feel overwhelmed. I think you should also have a link for dealing with medical issues as have been discussed on our parenting board here, for example doctors talking down to parents, social workers trying to take away children and/or making parents feel uncomfortable etc. Maybe, there can be a section for the children to ask questions about blindness, things that they might be nervous about asking their parents, as with the section for partners. I'm rambling, sorry.
No, I think it's a good idea, that children of blind parents should be able to ask questions about blindness in an appropriate setting. I've heard that some children get made fun of in school for having blind parents, and I think it's important for the children to know there's no need to be ashamed to have parents who are blind, or anything else for that matter.
Great ideas.