How To Help Your Child With The Emotional Aspects of A Learning Difference
What are the signs of an emotional struggle, and how do learning differences affect a child’s self-esteem? We reached out to several private schools in Brentwood, TN, for answers. Currey Ingram Academy responded, and this is what they had to say.
Q: How do learning disabilities affect a child outside of the classroom?
Currey Ingram Academy: Many children believe that their differences mean that they are not as smart as their same-age peers. This is especially true prior to the diagnosis when there’s no “reason” that they are falling behind. Even once a child has received a diagnosis, the feelings of inadequacy can linger. As a parent, you can support your child by helping them understand what, exactly, a learning difference is. Let them know it does not mean that they can’t get to where their classmates are, only that they have to take a different path, much like driving the backroads versus the interstate.
Q: What are some signs of anxiety or stress?
Currey Ingram Academy: Children display anxiety and stress in many ways. They might act out, gain a reputation as the “class clown,” or they may throw their hands up and refuse to do their work altogether. Other indications of stress are a bit more obvious, such as crying and being irritable.
Q: Do a parent’s emotions affect a child?
Currey Ingram Academy: Children are always looking to their parents to serve as examples, and that even applies to how you act on your emotions. If you’re visibly upset and fearful after a learning difference diagnosis, they will pick up on that and your children will react likewise.
Q: How can we get our child’s teachers involved?
Currey Ingram Academy: One of the most important things you can do is talk to your teachers about your child’s learning differences soon as possible. Ask them to be patient, sensitive, and understanding as you work toward establishing a custom educational plan. If your child is a student at one of the private schools in Brentwood, TN, they may already have an individualized learning roadmap. This might need to be changed, so make sure that you work closely with your child’s teachers, guidance counselor, and other pertinent parties to ensure a smooth transition from one teaching methodology to another.
Q: Should my child remain in public school if they have a learning difference?
Currey Ingram Academy: This question isn’t always easy to answer. While many public schools do a great job helping students with learning differences, the truth is that educators are already spread very thin, and they may not be able to fully handle your child’s needs while also juggling those of the rest of the class. Private schools in Brentwood and throughout Middle Tennessee tend to have a lower student-to-teacher ratio than their public school counterparts, meaning teachers can pay more attention to each individual. Having a more personalized approach and smaller class sizes is a huge benefit to students with learning differences.
Q: How can I encourage my child to do their best when they feel as though they are falling behind?
Currey Ingram Academy: Again, how you react is a major influencer on how your children feel. But, another way that you can show your children that they are every bit as capable as everyone else is to allow them to participate in activities they love and excel in. Remember, not all children are athletes, and not all children are natural scholars. Celebrate the differences between them and their peers, and remind them that they do not look poorly upon their friends that don’t excel in areas where they thrive. This may help them reframe their thinking to truly look at their diagnosis as just a difference in the way their brain works. Let them know that they have unique skills and abilities that should be celebrated – and be intentional about shining a light on the amazing ways that they are unique.
Currey Ingram Academy is one of the only private schools in Brentwood, TN that offer a full boarding program as well as day classes that cater to students with ADHD and other learning differences.