Some tips to support children with learning disabilities at home

At times, parents might get confused or unaware on how to support a child with learning disability. It is important for parents and teachers to work together to ensure that the child makes the best out of what is offered to them. In parenting corner this week, here are few tips to support children with learning disabilities when they are at home.

If your child has been diagnosed with a learning disability, there are many ways to cope with it. Technologies like software devices and mobile apps make things easier for the child. Eventually, parents must also understand that the happiness of a child does not lie in scoring high marks. Parents, teachers and caregivers must work together to ensure that the child makes the best out of whatever is offered to them.

There are many types of learning disabilities including dyslexia, dyscalculia and ADHD to name a few. Encouragement and support to the child can help them in the long run. They must not feel hesitant to seek help. The attitude of parents makes a huge difference to the child’s life, especially when they are dealing with academics which is often tough for them. So make sure that you’re always ready to help your child.

Trupti Patil, founder of Aarambh Special School says that parents accepting the child’s disability is first step to supporting them.

Unless parents are ready to accept the child for what they are, the child will not be confident to face the world. Know how you can help your child in different ways. Patience and understanding is the key. Make sure that your child is comfortable with you so that they can reach out to you when help is needed- Trupti Patil, Founder, Aarambh Special School.

Here are some tips to support a child with learning disability at home

• Be a good listener– Understand that your child might already have had a tough day at school. Grasping subjects do not come easy for a child who has a learning disability. So when they do their homework at home, they expect things to be calmer. Parents must be good listeners who lets their child to speak up. Do not interrupt or get angry when they share their views.
• Give them new ideas– Young children are always excited about learning new things and getting new ideas. So when you sit with your child, talk to them about new ideas that they can try out while learning their lessons. Do a small research on how new ideas can be introduced to your child’s life, especially in academics.
• Encourage their talents– Every child is gifted in some way. Parents must realise skills of the child and help them nourish it. A child who has some kind of learning disability might be an expert in arts or craft. Help them to boost their talents because academics is not the only thing that matters.
• Do not give up– There might be many instances where as a parent or teacher, you feel like giving up. But ensure to always support your child through thick and thin. Your support matters a lot for the child to progress and do better.

“When you do anything, make sure to invite your child also. I have seen many parents taking their child for therapies every day. Have you ever asked your child if they would want to go that day? Once in a while ask your child what they want and do things accordingly. This is another way of supporting and helping them”, says Jasmeet Arora, Co-founder, Hi 5 Child Development Center.

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