Parenting All God

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Parenting All Gods Children
Presented by (add presenter name here)
Written by Denise Dunzweiler, PhD Graduate
School Dean at the Adventist International
Institute of Advanced Studies in Silang, Cavite,
Philippines. From Revival and Reformation
Families Reaching Across.
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Current Research

• 1 in 88 children have been identified with an
  autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• More than 15.04 of school-aged kids had a
  developmental disability in 2006-2008
• Previously 12.84 in 1997-1999
• 1 in 6 children in the United States have some
  developmental disability

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Welcome to the Family

• First reactions anger, blame, denial, as well as
  grief, anxiety, fear, guilt, shame and
  depression.
• Awakening acknowledging the reality of medical
  appointments, tests, jargon, uncertainty and next
  steps.
• Hope develops as feelings are shared and
  validated with supportive people.

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Seths Story

• Discuss
• Reflect on the struggles this new family must
  deal with.
• As a friend, pastor, relative, co-worker, church
  member, or parent of a child with disabilities,
  discuss ways you might show your love and support
  to this family.

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Spiritual Parenting

• All Christian parents want their children to know
  Jesus.
• Parents of a child with disabilities will need to
  be explicit and plan their spiritual lessons
• Example Praying before meals
• Spiritual parenting books and resources must be
  adapted for use with a child with disabilities.

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Seths Story

• Discuss
• What do you think the best response would be to
  this child and his mother from one of the
  following points of view
• Church pastor
• Church secretary
• Church member
• Sabbath School teacher or leader

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Advocacy, Mandates and Laws

• It is important to understand state and federal
  laws in your region.
• Advocate Actively support fulfilling the childs
  special needs
• Understand the rights of the children in your
  life.

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Inclusiveness

• Inclusiveness Accommodation, modification and
  support to meet the childs needs
• For an example of a resource for inclusive
  educational systems see REACH at
  circle.adventist.org
• We want every child to experience success.

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Seths Story

• In groups of two (you and your spouse, or a
  friend), discuss
• How you, as a parent of a child with disabilities
  would deal with your school-age child who has
  been identified with disabilities.
• What steps you would take to get your child
  involved with the church and Sabbath School,
  enroll him in a Seventh-day Adventist school, and
  keep your personal and family spiritual life
  alive and vibrant.

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Seths Story

• Discuss
• How can you best relate to Christian parents of a
  child with disabilities in order to help their
  family overcome the challenges and relish the
  joys of parenting a child who has disabilities?
• If you are a church member, pastor, friend or
  teacher, how might you be able to show Christ
  through your actions in an inclusive Adventist
  setting to this family?