Families of children with determination (From Frustration to Hope)
Monday, Jan 20, 2025
When Frustration Turns into Hope: Families of Children with Determination Face Challenges and Rebuild Dreams
"How can pain become a path to hope?"
This central question was posed during a lecture titled "Families of People with Disabilities: From Shock to Hope," held at the Early Intervention Unit of the Fujairah Center for the Care of People with Disabilities. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. Sayed Ahmed Al-Wakeel, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, University of Science and Technology of Fujairah.
It stemmed from the university’s role in community service and development.
The lecture attracted a remarkable audience of parents of children with disabilities, as well as specialists in the field of Determination, all eager to enhance their understanding of the psychological and social aspects related to this group. The lecture covered the psychological and social stages families go through upon welcoming a child with a disability, offering practical strategies to support these families.
Stages of Shock & Hope: The Journey of Families with Their Children with Determination
The lecture provided a detailed presentation of the psychological stages families of people with Determination go through. It began with the shock and denial phase, where families struggle to believe the medical diagnosis, followed by the anger and guilt phase, characterized by feelings of frustration and self-blame, or blame toward others. The gradual acceptance phase then follows, marking a positive turning point where the family begins to adapt to the reality and build new hope. Finally, the long-term adaptation phase, which involves continuous support and the development of sustainable coping strategies.
Practical Strategies: Tools to Build Hope
Dr. Al-Wakeel presented several practical strategies to support families of people with Determination.
A Message of Hope for the Future
At the conclusion of the lecture, Dr. Al-Wakeel delivered an inspiring message, saying, "Every challenge can be transformed into an opportunity for growth, and with patience and family support, you can build a life filled with achievements and happiness for your children and families." He added that creating a supportive home environment and an understanding community is the cornerstone of achieving this goal.
The attendees left the lecture with a renewed spirit and deep inspiration. One attendee said, "I felt like I’m not alone. The lecture gave me practical tools and a different perspective on how to handle the challenges my child faces." Meanwhile, one father noted, "The lecture was a call to reflection and action, and it gave us a strong boost to face the future with confidence."
Conclusion:
This lecture embodied a journey from frustration to hope, highlighting the strength of families in facing challenges. As the need for support for families of people with determination grows, such events remain a beacon of awareness and change. As Dr. Al-Wakeel said, "Hope is the force that transforms pain into building energy, and when we believe in our children, we create a better world for everyone."
