Just like with any child, children with learning differences need generous amounts of love, patience, and understanding from their parents. Brentwood private school Currey Ingram Academy shares how parents can provide them with the support they need and deserve.
- Celebrate diversity. Recognize that people, including your children, are different and have their own strengths and weaknesses. They will excel in certain areas and be challenged in others; that’s perfectly okay.
- Place value on the effort rather than the outcome. Praise your children for doing their best instead of focusing on whether they got something right or wrong. Instead of saying “I’m proud 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!”).
- Let your child take quick breaks while doing their schoolwork so they can relax and re-focus. You know what happens when it’s all work and no play, right?
- Give them room to explore and even make mistakes. Ask your child if they need help with their schoolwork or extracurricular projects before actually stepping in. They might want to figure things out on their own. It’s an exercise in critical thinking and independence, too.
- 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.
- 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.
- Provide outlets for expressing negative emotions safely. Children with learning differences might experience frustration over schoolwork and relationships with their peers and compare themselves to siblings who can grasp concepts and socialize easily. Acknowledge that it’s okay for them to feel this way but teach them how to handle these emotions with care.
- Treat each child as an individual. Their milestones should not be compared to anyone else’s. Do avoid saying things like, “John was already reading when he was your age.”
- 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.
- Find a “hook” that can keep your child motivated to be in school. Children with learning differences might dislike school due to difficulties with their lessons. Encourage them to join clubs or other after-school activities. Private schools in Brentwood like Currey Ingram Academy offer students the chance to participate in a variety of performing and visual arts experiences. Find volunteer opportunities that can help them build meaningful connections with their community.
- 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, neighbor, or spiritual leader more relatable. Talking to them can inspire your child to strive and aim higher.
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.
