How can grandparents help support my SEN child? 

Parenting Perspective 

Helping Grandparents Understand 

Grandparents can play a beautiful, supportive role when a child has special educational needs (SEN). They often bring calm, patience, and experience that can make daily life feel more manageable. Start by helping them understand your child’s unique needs, share simple information about what helps and what does not. Avoid overwhelming them with medical terms. Explain in everyday language: ‘He needs extra time to process instructions’ or ‘Loud noises upset her, so we keep things calm.’ 

Involving Grandparents in Routines 

Encourage grandparents to ask questions and be involved in therapy routines, if appropriate. Invite them to join you for school meetings or sessions, when possible, this builds trust and helps them feel confident, not confused or left out. Share small successes so they see how their support makes a difference. 

Offering Clear Examples of How to Help 

Offer clear examples of how they can help: playing simple games that build skills, practising gentle speech, or offering patient company while you rest. Remind them that consistency matters, when grandparents follow the same approaches as parents, it reduces the child’s stress and builds progress. 

Making Time for Natural Bonding 

Make sure grandparents also have time to bond naturally. Let them share stories, read books, or do light activities together that bring joy and connection. These moments show your SEN child that they are loved and accepted exactly as they are. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great value on family ties and involving grandparents in a child’s care brings blessings and Barakah to the entire household. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Isra (17), Verse 23: 

‘And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents… ‘

This Ayah reminds us that honouring our elders and seeking their support is part of our faith. 

Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ respected and included family members of all ages in caring for one another. Grandparents can share life lessons and teach through calm presence, a source of emotional safety for a child with SEN. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1828, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Allah is not kind to him who is not kind to people. ‘

This Hadith Shareef highlights that gentle care and kindness, especially within family, are beloved acts of worship. 

Encourage your child to make Dua for their grandparents and involve them in small spiritual routines, like Dhikr or simple stories from the Sunnah. This builds a bond rooted in love for each other and love for Allah Almighty. 

With patient guidance, grandparents can become one of your child’s strongest sources of emotional security and comfort, making your family stronger and your caregiving journey a shared blessing.