Tips for Families
Families often find that managing a child with special needs takes alot of energy and research. Finding the right help is important to keep everyone positive, but remember these helpful personal tips, too:
- Learning disabilities can be managed
- Everyone faces challenges
- Don’t let homework time, tests, and school politics get to you
- Do not give up on your child
- Continue to work with your child’s school to get your child the help he/she needs
- Make sure your child is in the best environment to aid his/her disability
- Remain patient with your child – getting frustrated with your child will not help them move forward
- Work with professionals
- Your child needs your support
- Encourage your child to do his/her best
- Help your child at homework time to overcome challenges he/she might face
- Engage your child in conversation and ask questions
- Show your child how much you love him/her everyday
- Read to your child everyday – this will increase their abilities to read and gives them some alone time with you daily
- Pay attention to what type of learner your child is (visual/auditory/kinesthetic)
- Alter activities to suit the type of learning your child is
- Make learning more interactive
- Capitalize on your child’s strengths – this will boost his/her confidence in everything they do
- Never lower expectations of your child because of his or her learning disability
- Setting small goals together will encourage and motivate your child
- Help your child reach his or her goals
- Praise your child when goals are met and continue to set more
- Take care of yourself
- Look for support groups of other parents/families that have children with learning disabilities
- Don’t be afraid to take a break – ask family members for assistance with child care when you need to
- Make sure you are in good health