Building Self-Esteem with LD Children

Strategies for Helping Children with LD Build Confidence and Self-Esteem

In their book, "The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence and Personal Strength in Your Life," Dr. Robert Brooks and Dr. Sam Goldstein offer parents guideposts to help children and adolescents develop the strength and skills they need to cope successfully with the challenges they face.  Here are some key things, adapted from the book, that parents can do to help:

• Be empathetic. See the world through your children's eyes.
• Communicate with respect. Don't interrupt or put them down; answer their questions.
• Give undivided attention. Children feel loved when we spend one-on-one time with them.
• Accept and love children for who they are. This will allow them to feel more secure in reaching out to others and learning how to solve problems.
• Give children a chance to contribute. This communicates your faith in their abilities and gives them a sense of responsibility.
• Treat mistakes as learning experiences. Children whose parents overreact to mistakes tend to avoid taking risks, then end up blaming others for their problems.
• Emphasize their strengths. A sense of accomplishment and pride give children the confidence to persevere when they face challenges.
• Let them solve problems and make decisions. Avoid telling children what to do; encourage them to come up with solutions to problems.
• Discipline to teach. Do not discipline in a way that intimidates or humiliates your child.

Children with LD can also gain confidence and feel better about themselves when they develop competent social skills and positive relationships