How will you help families get through those early days of EI is by reminding them of the main goal which is having there child be able to be a child.

I can only imagine how hard it would be to initially go through acceptance alone. I can see that you’re doing everything you can and how genuine and raw your emotions are about your child’s growth, so please do not be too hard on yourself! Remember, you are doing your best alongside with all your wonderful support! All families have different needs for their children making the work done between Early Intervention and families very critical especially when going through challenging times. In response to how to help families get through the early days in EI I believe is to focus on the goals and empathy from those that support you, personal priorities you have for your child, and to especially remind yourself that you are doing your best! I appreciate you for sharing your story and hope that all is well!

Thank you for sharing your story I am sure several parents found it helpful and comforting.
To answer your question, I think the first thing to do as an EI provider is to acknowledge what stage of grief each caregiver is experiencing. Letting parents vent and express their pain and confusion first is really important in order to get in the right mindset for the future. Then, make sure they understand the information that you are telling them, instead of letting them passively moving through the process. Ask them if they have any questions often and answer them in as much detail as possible. To focus on what’s important, EI providers need to have easy-going conversations with the parents to figure out what is important to the family and then suggest goals that align with their views. As said in the post, some parents don’t know where to start, so listen to their concerns and frustrations and get to know them so that you can focus on small steps that will help their child move in the direction parents would want.

To answer the question, “how do you help families get through those early days in EI and focus on what’s important?” is to keep an open mind and understanding of the families background. It is important to understand that families come from diverse backgrounds and having an open mind can help the transition in EI. Having that personal knowledge of the families does create a stronger bond with them and can help easily address the child’s every need! Families can be reassured that their ECI provider is doing everything they can to diligently understand their situation and modify visits to their level of comfort. This way families can feel comfortable and secure about addressing their concerns or even just having someone to talk to.

In regards to your question “how do you help families get through those early days in EI and focus on what’s important?” I think one of the most important things is for the EI provider is to make sure the family understands all the information that is being given to them. I think once they understand and process it will be a bit easier for them to be proactive in their child’s progress. I also think it’s very important that a good relationship is established between the EI provider, the family, and the child. Having that trust and bond will help the family be able to express their concerns as well as vent when ever necessary and help the EI provider guide the families goals when they don’t know where to start. The EI provider can also help guide the parent and child relationship since they are working extensively with both. Lastly, I think as an EI provider allowing your family to vent without being judged and you being able to help them to the best of your abilities is very important. I would say overall it has to be a very balanced relationship free of judgment.