How to Parent Children With Learning Differences
Everyone learns differently, whether an actual learning disability is diagnosed. But when your child has trouble in school because of a learning disability, it affects the life of not only your child, but your entire family as well. The amount of alterations necessary at home and school depends on the severity of your child's learning disability, but fundamentally, there are a few basic actions that you as a parent must perform to better help your child succeed.
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Get Perspective
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If there are signs that your child may have a learning disability, it can be shocking and scary. Take a breath. Think of all the positive aspects your child possesses, as well as all the advancements and resources available to children with learning disabilities. Your child will most likely not be scurried off to some dismal institution and locked in a room for 23 hours a day. There are programs, communities and informational resources available for helping your child overcome the limitations of his disability, all easily researched and found on the Internet.
Do Your Research
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Once your child receives a diagnosis --- or even before --- become an expert on the disability by doing your own research. Use the Internet to learn all you can about the history, possible causes and techniques available for dealing with your child's diagnosis. Read carefully, as the "free-information" nature of the Internet can also contribute to inaccurate information posted as true. Find the experts on the disability and read books, studies and new developments in treating it.
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Become an Advocate
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You know your child best, therefore you are the best advocate for providing care for his disability. Discover how your child learns best -- whether by visual, audio or kinesthetic means -- and work with your child's school to provide accommodations and special tools to encourage successful learning during class. Be an advocate for your child, not a bulldozer. Work with the school's teachers and administration to set goals and solutions to help your child. Be persistent. It may take a few meetings to find a plan with which everyone agrees.
Think Outside School
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While it's important for your child's school to work with your child's disability, it's also important to remember that your child won't be in school forever. Certain skills, such as problem solving, perseverance and ability to handle stress, are important personality traits that aren't necessary regulated to a school setting. Incorporate these strengths into everyday life to instill a positive attitude and self-confidence in your child.
Take Care of Yourself
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When parenting a child with learning differences, it's important to remember that you have needs too. Being a vigilant advocate for your child is admirable, but it can take a toll on your emotional and physical state. Take some time to yourself to relax and refocus. Speak with other parents, join a support group or just take time to be yourself and read a book or go for a quiet walk.
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