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Ten Tips for Parents of Learning Disabled Kids
by Dr. Jared Maloff, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Los Angeles, CA
This list of 10 parenting tips is a guideline for successful parenting of a child with learning disabilities. In addition to the incorporation of these tips into your parenting skills, understand that often, therapy for children with learning disabilities and their parents can increase feelings of success and self acceptance, and decrease feelings of isolation.
- Do not underestimate your child's potential. Encourage him or her to develop to the best of their ability while pursuing their own interests.
- Consult a professional specializing in working with Learning Disabled children to begin to pool the public resources available to children with Learning Disabilities.
- Help your child to not feel alone with their disability. Find positive role models such as an adult living productively and successfully with a Learning Disorder.
- After securing appropriate educational services for your child, (IEP's, Resource Classes, Special Education Aides etc…) STAY INVOLVED with your child's educational support team and ask for recommendations of how to create a positive learning environment for your child at home.
- Keep in mind the feelings of your spouse and other children. Remind them that just because your Learning Disabled child gets more of your time does not mean that he or she gets more of your love.
- Be honest with yourself and be aware of your own limitations. You cannot be a perfect parent, nor do you have an unlimited reservoir of energy. Do not foget self care.
- Keep a sense of humor.
- Do not get caught up in comparing your child to his or her other classmates. Judge your child's progress by comparing your child only against themselves.
- Slow down, allow time to reflect on you and your child’s accomplishments, not just his/her, or your own shortcomings.
- Seek out support groups for parents of children with Learning Disabilities.
Dr. Jared Maloff is a Clinical Psychologist practicing in Beverly Hills, California. He works with a vast array of adult, adolescent and child clients presenting with a variety of symptoms and diagnoses. Learn more about his work at:www.beverlyhillspsychologist.com or contact him at:jmaloff@hotmail.com or at (310) 712-5480 for more information.