For many families of children with disabilities, summer can feel like a break from routines, therapies, and school schedules. While those things certainly have their place, summer can also be something else: an opportunity to help our children discover what they truly enjoy.
As parents, we spend a lot of time focusing on our children’s challenges. We work on goals, therapies, academics, and life skills. Those things are important, but sometimes we forget to spend just as much time discovering what brings our children joy.
One of the best things we ever did for my son was to pay attention to what naturally interested him.
My son Zack has autism and a love for film and books. He actually produces a children’s storytelling podcast called PageTurner Adventures with Zack. He records children’s books, adds character voices and sound effects, and turns stories into adventures for young listeners. His podcast has achieved more than 100,000 downloads. The latest story, Cranky, Crabby Crow can be heard here.
We didn’t discover this passion through a formal assessment or career inventory. We discovered it by watching what he enjoyed. He loved books. He loved storytelling. He loved audio recording. We simply gave him opportunities to explore those interests.
Not every interest turns into a career, and that’s okay. The goal is not to find a job. The goal is to help our children learn more about themselves.
So how can parents use the summer to help their children discover what they like?
First, observe before directing.
Pay attention to what your child chooses when they have free time. What activities keep their attention? What topics do they talk about repeatedly? What makes them excited? Sometimes our children show us their interests long before we recognize them.
Second, expose them to new experiences.
Many children with disabilities have fewer opportunities to explore hobbies and interests than their peers. Summer is a great time to visit museums, libraries, nature centers, farms, community events, and volunteer opportunities. Let your child try different activities without worrying about whether they will be good at them.
Third, focus on interests rather than limitations.
Instead of asking, “What can’t my child do?” ask, “What does my child enjoy?” A child who loves animals might enjoy helping at a pet shelter. A child who likes technology might enjoy learning about video editing or coding. A child who enjoys organizing things might enjoy helping at a library.
Fourth, let them create something.
Creation often reveals interests that consumption does not. Encourage your child to make videos, take photographs, draw, write stories, record audio, build models, plant a garden, or create crafts. The process of making something can uncover talents that might otherwise remain hidden.
Fifth, don’t worry about perfection.
Many parents stop an activity if their child isn’t immediately successful. But discovering interests takes time. Children need opportunities to explore without pressure. Some activities will be a good fit and some won’t. That’s part of the process.
Finally, follow their lead.
When a child shows genuine interest in something, help them go deeper. Find books, videos, classes, mentors, clubs, or volunteer opportunities related to that interest. Sometimes what begins as a hobby can grow into a skill, a passion, or even a future career.
Our children are a LOT more than their disabilities. They have interests, talents, dreams, and unique gifts to offer the world. Summer gives us the time and flexibility to help them discover those gifts.
You may not know where your child’s interests will lead. I certainly didn’t know that my son’s love of stories would lead to a podcast heard by thousands of people.
But I am grateful I gave him the opportunity to explore what he loved.
This summer, take some time to look beyond goals and programs. Pay attention to what makes your child light up. You may discover something that changes the direction of their future.