The problem of overprotective attitudes towards children with disabilities

Abstract

The paper deals with the problem of overprotective attitudes towards children with disabilities. Such attitudes of parents can be defined as a degree of parental care which is excessive in relation to the level of the child’s development and capabilities. The author discusses selected results of studies on the subject. He also points out the consequences of overprotection on the development of a child with disabilities. Referring to the literary figure of Klara Sesemann, the author illustrates the potential already existing in a child with disabilities which is sometimes constrained by overprotective parents. Finally, the paper refers to the need to build parents’ competences that will help their child expand the limits of their own independence.