How Can Parents Support Their Children With Learning Differences?
Children with learning differences will thrive and succeed with the right parental guidance and support. Brentwood private school Currey Ingram Academy answers questions about how parents can provide their children with learning differences with the support they need.
Q: How can we build our child’s self-confidence?
A: Ask your child if they need help with their schoolwork or extracurricular projects before actually stepping in. Give them the opportunity to figure things out on their own; being able to accomplish something by themselves will give their self-esteem a boost.
Commit to set aside time for an activity your child likes and excels in. It might disrupt your family’s schedule but doing this will help build their self-confidence.
Treat each child as an individual. Their milestones should not be compared to anyone else’s. Avoid saying things like, “Anne was already reading when he was your age.”
Q: How can we instill perseverance?
A: As parents, we tend to put more importance on achievements like straight A’s or top test results. It’s better to focus on your childrens’ effort rather than the outcome. Praise them for doing their best instead of focusing on whether they got something right or wrong. Instead of saying “I’m so happy you got a perfect score” you can say, “I love how you worked hard to solve those difficult equations” or “I’m proud of how you diligently studied for this.” This strategy can be applied to other activities as well (“Great job on listening to your coach and for passing the ball to your teammate!”).
Give your child the room to explore and even make mistakes. If they do make mistakes, show by example that it’s okay to not get things right all the time. Say “I might have made a mistake but I can start all over again” and follow through.
Q: My child is not enthusiastic about school and schoolwork. What can we do as parents to change this?
A: Children with learning differences might dislike school because they find their lessons difficult. Clubs or other after-school programs can give them a reason to look forward to going to school. Private schools in Brentwood like Currey Ingram Academy offer students the chance to engage in a variety of performing and visual arts experiences. Find volunteer opportunities that can help them build meaningful connections with their community.
Alternate easier tasks with difficult ones. If your child prefers reading over math, for example, start with the reading assignment then follow it up with a math drill. End the session with another reading task they enjoy. Quick breaks in between tasks are important so they can relax and re-focus.
Look for role models who can prove that people with learning differences can succeed. It does not have to be someone famous; your child might find a relative, friend, teacher, neighbor, or spiritual leader more relatable. Talking to them can inspire your child to strive and aim higher.
Above all, accept your child for who they are. They have their own strengths and weaknesses. They will excel in certain areas and be challenged in others; reassure them that’s perfectly okay.
Currey Ingram Academy is a private school in Brentwood that supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.