• What can a parent do to help a child with Dyslexia?


    •    Help your child understand the nature of his/her difficulty: 
    •    Read books or view videos about dyslexia 
    •    Emphasize the child’s abilities instead of “disabilities” Help other members of the family: 
    •    Help others recognize and understand your child’s learning disability. Family members often ask “who, what, where, and when” questions to get the necessary information. 
    •    Help your child locate and develop other talents: Sports, art, music, mechanics, hobbies, etc. 
    •    Help improve your child’s self-image by giving your child tasks he/she can master: 
    •    Give the child chores to do (e.g., setting the table for supper, clearing the dishes, and making the beds). • 
    •    Make short lists of tasks to help the child remember. A list is impersonal and reduces irritations. The child will gain satisfaction as he checks off tasks completed. • 
    •    Often children do not process multiple requests quickly or accurately. State your ideas in simple, clear, one-concept commands and ask the child to repeat what was said. Speaking at a slower rate of speed to the child is often helpful. Structure the child’s life at home: 
    •    Stick to a regular routine for meals, play, TV, chores, homework, etc. 
    •    Keep belongings in the same place. Help the child remember where to put them. 
    •    Keep instructions simple – one at a time. 
    •    Break tasks into small parts or steps. 
    •    Relieve stress in weak areas. 
    •    Guard against negative remarks, especially those referring to laziness or lack of effort.
    •    Avoid threats of punishment for such things as low grades, their need for repetition of directions, ineptness at simple tasks, etc. 
    •    Set standards, goals, and expectations of achievement within reach of your child’s abilities. How Can Parents Build Self-Esteem? 
    •    Praise your child often and sincerely 
    •    Don’t constantly nag or criticize 
    •    Catch your child doing well 
    •    Give your child opportunities to succeed 
    •    Tell your child you believe in him or her 
    •    Give your child lots of hugs and kisses 
    •    Praise efforts that are working towards a goal 
    •    Don’t compare your child with anyone else 
    •    Look for ways to make your child feel capable
    •    Encourage your child to make age appropriate decisions 
    •    Give your child a chance to solve problems before jumping in 
    •    Listen to your child’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas without judging or criticizing