Parents of children with disabilities may feel that “somehow my child seems different from others,” but they often lack someone to consult with easily or end up bearing their child's disability alone.
In such times, having companions can be a significant emotional support.
I myself was born with a hearing impairment, and I have heard from my mother that “having senior peers to consult with and time for hobbies helped me raise my child.”
Now that I am an adult, I wanted to learn more about the activities of parents who are in similar situations, so I visited the parenting consultation of Certified NPO Parent Support Step.
In-depth consultations and casual workshop experiences
On December 18, 2023, a Christmas craft workshop and parenting consultation were held at MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki. The organizing group is the Certified NPO Parent Support Step, which is primarily composed of parents of children with disabilities.
When I went to the cafeteria with large, open windows, cute Christmas crafts were lined up.
The venue was divided into two large areas, with the Christmas craft workshop taking place in the front space and parenting consultations occurring in the back space.
The instructor for the Christmas craft workshop using craft bands is also a staff member who is a mother of a child with disabilities.
Those seeking a time to immerse themselves can start from the process of weaving craft bands, while those who want to casually participate, perhaps alongside developmental consultations, can create original works by simply gluing parts together.
The staff responsible for parenting consultations are also mothers of children with disabilities.
Craft band experience
When I went to the reception, I was encouraged with, “Why not try the craft band experience first?” so I tried weaving a Christmas wreath.
At first, it seemed difficult, but after trying a few, I grasped the technique.
Since I have a hearing impairment, I wear a hearing aid. Therefore, I tend to be distracted by surrounding environmental sounds and am not very good at concentrating on work outside. However, the craft band work involves repeating the same tasks, so I was able to focus solely on weaving.
Voices of participants
While weaving the Christmas wreath, participants began to gather one after another.
A place to search for hobbies as “a woman” rather than “a parent of a child with disabilities”
The next participant who came after me was making a basket. She has a child who attends a special support school.
On this day, she was waiting for the results of her high school entrance exam and felt restless at home, so she found this event while looking for a hobby that she could enjoy as “a woman” rather than “a parent of a child with disabilities” and decided to participate.
She mentioned, “It feels very comfortable to be able to search for my hobbies while sharing the unique concerns of raising a child with disabilities with staff and participants in similar situations.”
A place to consult while bringing children
There were also participants with preschool children who were making baskets together with their kids.
The event is enjoyable for both parents and children, and with experienced staff in parenting, parents can participate in the workshop while consulting.
The children left the venue with a sense of accomplishment from completing their works, while the parents seemed to leave with a sense of relief from having their concerns heard, which was quite impressive.
A place for ongoing consultations
I asked the staff about what they keep in mind when providing support.
Instead of giving advice, they emphasize the importance of first listening carefully to the parents' stories and expressing empathy as one of their companions by saying, “You are doing great.”
In particular, many participants come seeking ongoing consultations for parenting support.
Conclusion
I wonder if my parents raised me with the support of friends who were also raising children with disabilities.
I believe that it is because of places like Parent Support Step that I am able to be the adult I am today. I am filled with gratitude for the existence of those who support parents of children with disabilities.
This time it was a craft band workshop, but there are also staff who are good at “dried flowers” and “remaking clothes that are easy for children with disabilities to wear,” and they are active in their respective areas of expertise.
This is one of the activities that I want the citizens to know about, regardless of whether they are affected individuals or not, as a member of society.
Christmas Ornament Making Workshop and Parenting Consultation Data
| Name | Christmas Ornament Making Workshop and Parenting Consultation |
|---|---|
| Date | December 18, 2023 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | 12-3 Kotobuki-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Parenting Consultation…Free Experience Fee Christmas Basket (thorough) 1,500 yen Christmas Basket (easy) 750 yen Christmas Wreath (original) 500 yen Christmas Wreath (easy) 350 yen Small Storage Box 1,000 yen |
| Website | Certified NPO Parent Support Step |
