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 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 Education and Children Service has five tips for finding the right support:
- 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 let's 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 offers information advice and guidance on a range of topics as well as signposting to other organisations that can help. Please contact RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
Emotional Support Podcasts
We understand that children and young people with vision impairment can face hurdles and challenges as they grow, live and learn.
We've recently added to our series of podcasts for parents and carers about emotional support for children and young people with vision impairment.
Members of our Education and Children team Service speak to NHS Clinical Psychologist, Ian McCubbin. Ian is part of a team working in hospitals across the UK to provide specialist services to children and young people with VI which are funded by Fight Against Blindness.
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 RNIB about any of the issues covered in the podcast series, please contact us via the Helpline 0303 123 9999.
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
This podcast looks at the challenges that isolation and anxiety can present for children and young people.
Further information
Managing a child’s behaviour can sometimes be difficult for parents and families. In this podcast, we look at behaviour specific to a child with a vision impairment and some strategies you can use to manage this.
Finding out a child has a vision impairment can lead to varying emotional responses. We look at these and explore some ideas for supporting 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.
Further support
RNIB provides free, specialist advice and support for children and young people with vision impairment – from birth to age 25 – and their families.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or you’d like more information about anything mentioned on this page, we can help.
We offer:
- family, early years and transitions support
- support for education professionals
- advice about accessible books, toys and learning materials
- opportunities to meet and talk with other families.
Please contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
