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Tips for dealing with your child’s learning challenges:
- A learning disability isn’t undefeatable: keep things in perspective and remind yourself that everyone confronts obstacles. It’s up to you as a parent to teach your child howto face those obstacles without becoming stressed or overwhelmed. Give your child abundant emotional and moral support.
- Become your own expert: Don’t rely on one source and try to put your hands-on solutions and experiences from teachers and therapists. But you’re the foremost expert on your child, so take charge when it comes to finding the tools they need in order to learn.
- Remember that your influence outweighs all others:“Your child will follow your lead. If you approach learning challenges with optimism, hard work, and a sense of humor, your child is likely to embrace your perspective—or at least see the challenges as a speed bump, rather than a roadblock. Focus your energy on learning what works for your child and implementing it the best you can”.
- Identify how your child learns best:
- Is the child a visual learner: learns best by reading or seeing, benefit from written notes, directions, diagrams, charts, maps, and pictures.
- Is the child an auditory learner: Learns best by listening, Benefit from classroom discussions, spoken directions, study groups, love music or being on stage.
5. Emphasize Healthy lifestyle habits:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity makes a huge difference in mood, energy, and mental clarity. Encourage your learning-disabled child to get outside, move, and play.
- Diet: A diet full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will help boost mental focus.
- Sleep: Kids need more sleep than adults do. On average, preschoolers need from 11-13 hours per night, middle school children need about 10-11 hours, and teens and preteens need from 8½-10 hours. You can help make sure your child is getting the sleep they need by enforcing a set bedtime. 1
Dr David Amendine
Pediatrician Neonatologist
