How To Support Children of Disabled Parents Against Bullying

I have been enjoying returning to our normal routine now that the school year is underway. As my youngest approaches his first birthday, he is enjoying the last moments of Summer’s warmer weather with me on our front porch as we wait for his siblings to get off the bus. One of those days, to my surprise, my daughter was visibly angry from the moment she got off the bus but wouldn’t say why. Turns out, a group of incoming middle school girls had seen me sitting outside in my wheelchair and were laughing about my disability.

This incident, unfortunately, is not uncommon.  As someone who has spent her entire life living with a degenerative disability, I’ve had years of practice in handling the onlookers whose gaze lasts a little bit longer than it should, the whispered comments and chuckles that are just loud enough to hear, and the occasional outright rude remarks.

In fact, children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers, according to the PACER Center.

But it’s a different story for a teenage girl whose world, priorities, and emotions differ greatly from mine. Disability bullying can impact every member of the family. This article explores the unique challenges faced by children of parents with disabilities, as well as those who have disabilities themselves and offers practical strategies for addressing and overcoming bullying.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

When children have a parent with a visible disability, they may encounter bullying from peers who do not understand or who have internalized negative stereotypes about disability.

Children of parents with disabilities might feel different from their peers simply because of their family dynamics. When peers tease or bully them because of their parent’s disability, it can amplify feelings of isolation, shame, or embarrassment. The mockery directed at the parent, often witnessed by the child, not only hurts the parent but also puts the child in a difficult emotional position, where they might feel the need to defend their parent while grappling with their own emotions. Studies have shown that such children often experience higher levels of stress and social isolation, which can be exacerbated by bullying.

Coping with feelings of embarrassment, especially during preteen and teen years, can also be difficult for children with a disabled parent. They may yearn for their life to have a sense of “normalcy” that they feel they are lacking, or it could lead to social withdrawal, avoidance of friends, or even low self-esteem. This can also impact the child’s relationship with their parents, as they may struggle to communicate openly about their feelings.

How Bullying Impacts Children’s Emotional and Social Development

Bullying can have profound emotional and social impacts on children, affecting their overall well-being in numerous ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bullying increases the risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school. Regardless of the reason behind the bullying—whether it’s related to a disability, appearance, race, or any other factor—the consequences are often serious and long-lasting.

Emotional Impact on Children

Children who are bullied often experience a range of negative emotions, including fear, sadness, anger, and confusion. These feelings can lead to decreased self-esteem, as the child may begin to internalize the negative messages they are receiving from their peers. They might start to believe that they deserve the mistreatment or that something is inherently wrong with them, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and even self-harm.

Over time, the constant stress and emotional turmoil can impact a child’s mental health, sometimes leading to chronic conditions like anxiety disorders or depression. In severe cases, the emotional impact of bullying can contribute to suicidal thoughts or behaviors, making it essential for adults to intervene early and offer support.

Social Impact on Children

The social impacts of bullying are equally significant. Children who are bullied often feel isolated and alone, as they may withdraw from social activities to avoid further harassment. This isolation can lead to a lack of close friendships, making it difficult for the child to develop healthy social skills and relationships.

In school, the fear of being bullied can cause children to disengage from classroom activities, participate less in group work, and avoid speaking up, all of which can negatively affect their academic performance. Over time, this disengagement can lead to school avoidance, truancy, and, in some cases, dropping out altogether.

Moreover, the social stigma attached to being bullied can make it hard for a child to feel accepted within their peer group. Even if the bullying stops, the social damage can persist, with the child continuing to feel marginalized and disconnected from their classmates. This can result in long-term difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships in childhood and later life.

The Ripple Effect of Disability Bullying

The effects of bullying don’t just stop with the individual child; they can ripple out to affect families, schools, and communities. Children who are bullied may bring their stress home, impacting family dynamics and creating tension or conflict within the household. In schools, a culture of bullying can lead to a toxic environment where fear and intimidation overshadow learning and personal growth. Communities where bullying is prevalent may see higher rates of juvenile delinquency and mental health issues among young people.

helping children cope with disability bullying towards a disabled parent

Strategies for Disabled Parents to Mitigate Bullying

As a parent with a disability, it can be disheartening to realize that your condition might make your child a target for bullying. However, there are proactive steps you can take to help mitigate this risk and support your child in navigating these challenges. Here are some strategies that can make a significant difference:

Be Actively Involved

One of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of your child being bullied because of your disability is to be actively involved in their school and extracurricular activities. Bullying often stems from misunderstanding, misinformation, or discomfort with differences. By being present and engaged, you can help normalize your disability for your child’s peers.

When you participate in school events, volunteer in classrooms, or attend extracurricular activities, you allow other children to see you as a person rather than just someone with a disability. Your presence helps demystify your condition and makes it more likely that your child’s peers will view you—and, by extension, your child—with respect and understanding. Over time, this familiarity can significantly reduce the risk of bullying by fostering a more inclusive environment where differences are accepted.

Discuss Your Disability Openly

Another key strategy is to have open and honest conversations about your disability, both with your child and with their peers when appropriate. Educating your child about your disability helps them understand and articulate their experiences, which can empower them to respond confidently if questions or comments arise from their peers.

Additionally, consider opportunities to share information about your disability with your child’s classmates or during school presentations. When children understand what a disability is and how it affects someone’s life, they are less likely to view it negatively or use it as a basis for bullying. You might even work with your child’s teacher to organize a disability awareness day or similar event, where you can provide insight and answer questions in a supportive environment.

Build a Strong Support Network

Creating a strong support network is crucial in helping your child feel secure and valued, regardless of any external challenges they may face. Encourage your child to develop friendships with peers who are empathetic and supportive. These friends can act as allies, standing up for your child if bullying occurs and helping to create a positive social circle.

You can also foster connections with other parents, educators, and community members who understand your family’s situation and can offer support. This network can be a valuable resource for both you and your child, providing advice, emotional backing, and advocacy if needed. Furthermore, having adults in the community who are aware of your circumstances and who can watch out for your child’s well-being can help prevent bullying from escalating.

Understanding Legal Rights and Practical Ways to Protect Children

When navigating the challenges of bullying, especially when it intersects with disability, parents, caregivers, and educators must understand the legal rights of all children—both those with disabilities and those with disabled family members. In the United States, several federal laws are designed to protect against discrimination and to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment for every child.

Know the Laws That Protect Against Discrimination

Children with disabilities—and by extension, children impacted by disability in their family—are protected under key pieces of legislation:

  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. Under IDEA, schools must address bullying as part of a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) if it interferes with their education.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in schools that receive federal funding. These laws mandate that schools take active measures to prevent and address bullying related to disability.

These laws are not just policies—they are protective mechanisms that empower families to advocate for their children and demand school accountability. If a school fails to intervene in disability-related bullying, parents can file complaints with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education.

Practical Strategies to Support Children

Legal protections are vital but must be paired with practical action to create truly safe and inclusive environments. Here are actionable strategies for families and educators:

  • Open the Lines of Communication: Regular, open conversations help children feel safe sharing their experiences. Ask specific questions like, “Has anyone made you feel uncomfortable at school?” or “Is there anything that’s been bothering you lately?”
  • Build Strong School Partnerships: Establish consistent communication with teachers, counselors, and principals. Work together to identify signs of bullying, create a response plan, and follow up to ensure progress.
  • Teach Self-Advocacy and Empathy: Empower children with the language and confidence to speak up for themselves and others. Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs can be helpful tools in fostering empathy and resilience in schools.
  • Encourage Peer Support Programs: Inclusive programs like Circle of Friends or Best Buddies foster peer relationships and reduce social isolation. By creating a supportive community, they help normalize differences and make bullying less likely.
  • Document Everything: If bullying occurs, document every incident—what happened, when, who was involved, and how the school responded. This documentation is vital when working with school officials or filing a legal complaint.

Conclusion

As a parent with a disability, you have unique insights and strengths that can help you guide your child through the challenges of bullying. By being actively involved in their school life, educating others about your disability, and building a strong support network, you can create an environment where your child feels confident and protected. These strategies help mitigate the risk of bullying and teach your child resilience and the importance of inclusivity, values that will benefit them throughout their lives.

 

Comprehensive Resource List for Supporting Children Facing Disability-Related Bullying

💼 Legal Rights & Educational Protections

🧒 Bullying Prevention & Disability Support

🧠 Mental Health & Empowerment

  • YourMomCares
    Nonprofit supporting youth mental health with a focus on neurodivergent and vulnerable children.
    🔗 https://yourmomcares.org/

  • Kidpower
    Offers training and resources to help children develop skills in safety, boundary-setting, and confidence.
    🔗 https://www.kidpower.org/

👥 Inclusive Programs for Peer Support

  • Circle of Friends (Inclusion Program)
    Promotes friendships between students with and without disabilities in schools.
    🔗 https://circleofriends.org/

  • Best Buddies International
    A nonprofit organization that creates one-to-one friendships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
    🔗 https://www.bestbuddies.org/

 

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