IX. SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

  1. Help child understand the nature of the difficulty
    Read books on the subject
    Emphasize the child's abilities instead of the child's "disabilities"
  2. Reassure the child of his/her self-worth
    Help the child become aware of his/her own special unique talents
    Don't pressure
    Praise when it is deserved
    Avoid negative remarks, e.g.:
  3. "Can't you do a simple thing like this?"
    "I've told you that twenty times already."
    "If you don't bring up those grades, you'll be grounded for six weeks."
    "You could do it if you just try harder."
    "You're just being lazy."

  4. Help the child locate and develop other talents
  5. Sports
    Art
    Music
    Mechanics
    Hobbies

  6. Structure the child's life at home
    Established regular routines: meals, play, TV, chores, bedtime, etc.
    Keep belongings in the same place to:
  7. help the child remember where to put them
    remind him/her as often as necessary
    use visual reminders
    be patient when he/she forgets
    Keep instructions simple - one at a time and be sure he/she understands.

    Ask him/her to repeat instructions and give your child time to think.
    Break tasks into small parts, or steps; giving steps one step at a time.

  8. Help improve self-image and confidence
    Give tasks your child can master
    Build on what he/she knows
    Don't assume anything; if a child doesn't understand, help him/her
  9. F. Help with school work
    Provide a place to study with minimal distraction
    Help plan long-term assignments
    Help schedule your child's homework; include breaks
    Read assignments to him/her
    Ask questions; discuss his/her work
    Act as your child's secretary; write assignments as he/she dictates
  10. Work closely with your child's teacher
    Explain his/her difficulty to the teacher
    Ask for lighter homework loads
    Ask for permission for you to write assignments for your child
    Ask that he/she be allowed to do more oral than written work
    Ask the teacher not to call on your child to read aloud

(Copyright 1984, Margaret T. Smith and Edith A. Hogan. Permission to duplicate for Texas public school use only. All other rights reserved.)