Tips for parents and teachers

Here are some important points that should be kept in mind when dealing with children and children with learning disabilities in particular:

1) The first thing I would like to elicit is not to label any child as 'weak', 'dull', 'lazy' or with any such negative words. Just go on encouraging the child even for his/her little achievements.
This will not only build up their self esteem and a sense of well being but also with the belief that no matter what, you are there for them.
It is very important to win your child's confidence first and only when one becomes a fearless individual any learning is possible.

2) Have patience in abundance. Irrespective of how many times you keep correcting the child for his mistakes, he/she is likely to repeat it. And it is natural for any parent or teacher to lose temper at some point. But when we are dealing with children with LD, we must always keep in mind that scolding or spanking never works. Once you scold the child, you can hardly expect the child to learn something for he is totally engulfed with fear.
So, there are 3 keys to work with these children:
1) Patience
2) Patience and
3) More patience...
Now that I have emphasised the importance of patience, I shall discuss other tips.

3) Make learning such a way that the child does not feel he/she is learning at all.
They are already subjected to a lot of pressure at school and tutions. So why again learning or studying at remedial class? Ofcourse our aim is to teach the child the skills he/she is lacking but teach the child such a way that he feels he is playing a game and is having fun. This way learning becomes an automatic process.
Our motive is not to make the child learn but is to make him acquire some skills.

4) Never ever compare the child with his/her siblings or other children.
Every child is different and so are the needs and difficulties.
Never even compare yourself with your child. This is how some highly successful, ambitious parents think " I have always been 1st in the class, why is my child like this?" , "I hold such a high position in my work, what will others think about me when they learn about my son/daughter?", "All my friend's children are doing well in academics, why only my child?", "My 1st son is so bright in studies and look at my 2nd son...what a shame!" Such beliefs and comparisons are highly damaging and harmful to the well being of your precious child.
Please stop comparing your child and don't pressurize the child. By doing so, you are only killing the real potential in the child.

5) Learn to recognise your child's strengths than always focussing on his/her weaknesses.
Let yourself believe the fact that not flourishing in academics is not an end in itself. As the saying goes, "all roads lead to rome", so does any talent that the child has can make him a successful human being.

6) Last but not the least...love your child for what he/she is, accept the child for what he is and be your child's best friend, not the one who scares the child with your tantrums or threats, for fear begets nothing.

Only you can be the best supporter of your child.