Don't Ignore the Signs

Learning disabilities and behavior problems are never easy to deal with, but when parents deny that they exist, they can make the problem worse.

We want the best for our children, and accepting that they might be different from other children hurts.

The violence taking place in our society today is proof that ignoring warning signs can have very serious results.

The sooner we deal with the problem, the more likely it is that we will be able to find a positive solution.

Parents of children with learning disabilities find it difficult to believe that their child doesn’t think, learn or act as they do. When children are different than we are, it can make parenting them more difficult. But denying that a child has a problem will only make things worse for the child.

I have never liked that children who learn differently than their peers are labeled with a disorder. A disorder to me is an illness, and a child’s brain functioning different from what is considered the norm does not imply that they are ill.

Imagine what are world would have been like without individuals such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sir Winston Churchill and Thomas Ava Edison — all of whom were known to be impulsive, and not able to stick to one thing.

Many behavior problems stem from the frustration children feel when they can sense that they are different. Different, however, simply means that your child has a unique way of learning.

When we find the reason why the child is having difficulties it can avoid the child feeling lost. Some children, when diagnosed, are relieved to know that they are not stupid and that there is a reason for the way they feel.

There are many things parents can do to successfully manage learning disabilities and behavior problems.

The most important is recognizing and identifying what is going on with your child. What are the problems the child is having?

Speak to everyone who works with your child — his teacher, daycare provider or coach. They can give you an insight into your child’s behavior when he or she is not with you.

Have your child tested by a medical doctor and a learning or behavior specialist. And always get a second opinion. Do your homework. Read as much as you can about the difficulties your child is having. What do researchers say about it? What are some of the ways other parents are dealing with it?

Find out what changes you can make at home that can benefit your child. Making changes in his nutrition, for example, can help some children, as well as setting limits and a schedule for your child.

The more you understand what your child is going through, the better choices you will be able to make for him.

Become pro-active. Visit your child’s school, have weekly meetings with his teacher. Request that the school test your child, which may help diagnose his learning style. Find out about tutoring and other programs your school might provide.

Most importantly let your children know that you love them and that there is nothing wrong with them. When they get discouraged, give them hope, and let them know they can always count on your support.

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Maria Luisa Salcines is a freelance writer, certified parent educator and corporate empowerment consultant with The International Network for Children and Families in Redirecting Children’s Behavior, Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom, and Redirecting Corporate America. Contact her at her Web site at www.redirectingchildrenrgv.org.