If you have a dyslexic child, it’s essential to know how to treat them properly. There are special considerations that you need to take into account to help your child thrive. By following these tips, you can set your child up for success.
Be more understanding
The parents of dyslexic children need to take an understanding and patient approach when identifying, to diagnose, and helping their children. Dyslexia affects how people read, write, and pronounce words, but it doesn’t make them any less intelligent or capable than their peers.
Dyslexic children may need extra tutoring and specialized learning strategies as they progress through school, but with the proper support, they can still achieve academic success. Parents should ensure that teachers understand their child’s inability to learn in a typical fashion and work together to create ways for the child to reach their learning goals.
It’s also essential that parents recognize the unique gifts embedded within dyslexia; rather than trying to eliminate it, help your child manage and channel those skills into something meaningful.
Don’t make your child feel ashamed of their dyslexia.
Dyslexia can severely impact a child’s academic and social development. If a child with dyslexia feels ashamed of their diagnosis, it can lead to low self-esteem, hindering their ability to cope with the condition.
Studies have shown that making dyslexic children feel embarrassed or ashamed of their unique learning style can have long-term effects and make them less likely to use any strategies or techniques they may have been practicing.
Therefore, it is essential to create an environment where the child feels comfortable, accepted, and encouraged as they work through the personal challenges associated with dyslexia. Encouraging your dyslexic child by providing extra help and having realistic expectations for them can improve their overall well-being.
Help them cope with their dyslexia.
Being a parent to a child with dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but understanding and learning the available resources can help parents support their children. Reading up on the basics of dyslexia, creating a school plan, and finding appropriate accommodations that fit your child’s needs are essential steps for parents. You can also opt for effective dyslexia treatments at home for your child to help them cope with the disorder.
Additionally, guiding your child towards specific activities, such as music and art, engaging in daily routines at home to provide structure and support, making sure they get enough rest and giving plenty of positive reinforcement are also essential methods parental figures can use to assist children in navigating through life with dyslexia. By empowering yourself and your child with knowledge about their dyslexia and demonstrating unconditional love, you can give them an excellent foundation to thrive.
Make accommodations at home and in school.
Accommodations for dyslexic children can significantly improve their ability to succeed at home and school. At home, parents can help their dyslexic child by setting a regular education routine with explicit goals, breaking assignments into achievable tasks, eliminating distractions while studying or doing classwork, and providing a variety of learning materials like visuals, audio resources, and tactile activities. Specialized tutoring, one-on-one instruction, and different technological aids are all options that can help your child manage their dyslexia.
At school, teachers can provide additional support to the dyslexic student by allowing extra time on exams and assignments, providing clear instructions with step-by-step directions on tasks when needed, utilizing assistive technology tools to aid learning (like text-to-speech software), and having the student sit closer to the chalkboard or whiteboard. With these accommodations in place, a dyslexic child is better equipped to actively participate in their educational process and tackle more difficult concepts.
Some resources for parents with dyslexic children
As a parent of a dyslexic child, you may have many questions about how to best support your child. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to give you the guidance and assistance you need.
Support groups and online forums are two of the most accessible options for gaining information from other parents who understand what it’s like to raise a dyslexic child. Support groups provide an opportunity for parents to connect in person with each other and access helpful advice from experts within their local community.
On the other hand, online forums allow parents to reach out to broader networks across the world for more immediate support as these conversations happen instantly over digital platforms. Whichever route you choose, these invaluable resources can be instrumental to helping both you and your child along on their journey with dyslexia.
Being the parent of a dyslexic child can be difficult, but it is important to remember that your child is not defined by their dyslexia. There are many ways that you can help your child manage and cope with their condition, both at home and at school. Online resources and support groups can also be extremely helpful for parents who want to learn more about how to best help their children.
