Going back to school can be a dreadful time for any child.
Those with learning disabilities, however, may feel this dread more deeply.
If your child has a learning disability, an important role you can help play as a parent is to ease the transition and prepare your child for school.
5 Ways to Help Your Child Going Back to School
There are several healthy ways of helping your child prepare for the school days ahead.
We’ll cover five of these strategies below.
1. Set the right mindset in preparation for school
One of the most important ways of preparing children for school is to help set the right mindset.
For children with learning disabilities, some excellent ways of helping them prepare include:
- gentle reminders that school is about to start
- encouraging the use of activities that stimulate the mind
- gradual weaning off of electronic devices
- brushing up on learning strategies
- help in setting academic and other school-related goals
- subtle comments on how school can actually be enjoyable
Be sure not to be pushy in setting the right mindset. After all, you want to project the image of being an adult that the child can confide in.
2. Listen and ask questions
It was mentioned earlier that it’s common for children with learning disabilities to dread the opening of school.
Some kids feel a sense of inadequacy when it comes to academic matters.
This dread needs to be addressed, so listen to any fears the child may have about school.
If you have any questions regarding the child’s fear, be sure to ask them without excessive prodding.
This process of listening and asking questions can help both of you understand each other better.
3. Alternate between task difficulties when school starts
Working consecutively on difficult tasks is mentally taxing on anyone, but more so for those with learning disabilities.
On the opposite end, consecutive easy tasks can give a false sense of security.
In order to strike a balance, alternating between difficult and easy tasks is vital.
This can prevent mental exhaustion and help the child enjoy the tasks more.
4. Reassurance can go a long way
When a child with a learning disability lags, always provide words of reassurance.
Be sure to positively encourage the child to try again as this can bolster self-confidence.
Also, avoid comparing the progress between a child with a learning disability and a child that doesn’t. Comparisons can dishearten the child or place undue stress, and both of these will be counterproductive.
It is important to remind the child that each person has their own set of strengths and weaknesses.
5. Be receptive
Some children will be vocal with their frustrations about school, whereas others will choose to suffer in silence.
Always be on the lookout for signs that the child is having difficulties with school.
After all, addressing these problems early on is crucial to easing the academic burden on children.
The Start of School Can Be a Tough Time for Any Student
Children with learning disabilities need extra care and attention when it comes to academics.
If you need help in helping your child prepare for school, there are professionals that you can consult.
Waystone Psychology is available and well-equipped to help. Contact us today and let’s talk about moving forward.