In this podcast, we explore why confidence, self-esteem and resilience are important when considering child development and ways to encourage all three attributes.
Further information
Emotional support for children and young people with vision impairment
We've produced a series of guides and podcasts for parents and carers about emotional support for children and young people with vision impairment.
Children and young people with vision impairment experience the same everyday experiences, feelings and reactions as their sighted peers. There may also be some particular issues relating to having a vision impairment, where it is helpful for parents, siblings, friends, family and other people to give support.
Parents tell us that one of the most difficult parts of finding out that their child has a vision impairment is knowing how to talk about it with their child. We've produced this guidance to support parents and carers as they think about this issue.
Top tips for positive mental health
RNIB’s Children, Young People, Families and Education Service has five tips for finding the right support:
1. Find your community - on social media
Connecting with other families online is a great way to share with – and learn from – people going through similar experiences. Join our closed Facebook group.
2. Find your community - on a course
Parent Pathways lets you chat informally to other parents/carers while learning about key topics around raising a child with vision impairment.
3. Listen to expert advice
We recommend the expert series of podcasts below, produced with Fight Against Blindness, to give you a gentle introduction to a range of issues, from coping with a diagnosis to managing friendships.
4. Talk to a skilled listener
RNIB offers free counselling for young people with vision impairment (over 11) and their family and friends. Contact [email protected] or ring 0303 123 9999 for more information.
5. Find out about other services and support
RNIB’s team of Family Support Officers offer information advice and guidance on a range of topics as well as signposting to other organisations that can help. Email [email protected] to arrange a call or ask a question.
Emotional Support Podcasts
We understand that children and young people with vision impairment can face hurdles and challenges as they grow, live and learn.
In the following series of podcasts for parents and carers, members of our CYPF & Education team speak to NHS Clinical Psychologist, Ian McCubbin about emotional support for children and young people with vision impairment.
Ian is part of a team, funded by Fight Against Blindness, working in hospitals across the UK to provide specialist services to children and young people with VI
We discuss advice, strategies and suggestions on a range of issues that young people and parents frequently ask us about. For each podcast, there is follow-on information.
If you would like advice and support from our Family Support Officers about any of the issues covered in the podcast series, please contact us via the Helpline 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected].
Podcasts Series 1
Parents tell us that knowing how to talk about it with their child is one of the most difficult and distressing parts of finding out their child has a vision impairment. We look at the importance of having a conversation with a child and how to prepare.
Further information
For children and young people with a vision impairment and their parents and carers, talking to other people about an eye condition can cause concern. We look at preparing for a conversation and some factors to consider.
Further information
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and available support, this podcast looks at the challenges of isolation and anxiety.
Further information
Managing a child’s behaviour can sometimes be difficult for parents and families, but lockdown and other restrictions have presented new challenges to cope with. In this podcast, we look at behaviour specific to a child with a vision impairment and the strategies you can use if you need to manage behaviour in difficult circumstances.
Finding out a child has a vision impairment can lead to varying emotional responses. We look at these and explore some practical advice in how to support the whole family.
Further information
Podcasts Series 2
The early years are critical for a child’s development; this is when lasting bonds with caregivers are formed. In this podcast, we discuss the impact of vision impairment on early development and what parents and carers can do to support their child.
Most children experience periods of difficulty with sleep. Here we discuss the ways to support a good sleep routine and why some eye conditions may have an impact on sleep.
Any child can experience bullying. We use this podcast to discuss the impact it can have on the whole family and suggest ways in which parents and carers can support their child when facing these challenges.
Following the Confidence, resilience and self-esteem episode in our first podcast series, we delve a little deeper into this topic and explore some of the transition and developmental stages that might have an impact on a child or young person’s confidence.
In this podcast, we discuss the impact of vision impairment on social development. We explore how positive friendships support development and suggest ways in which parents and carers can help their child build healthy relationships.
