Building on Strengths

Most children with learning disabilities are creative and very smart. They may become experts in particular topics or have a strong interest or passion or a special talent they pursue. These are the things that parents must nurture, that will allow their children to be successful.

Is your child a whiz with Legos®? Has she started her own business making cookies? Is he intensely interested in world hunger, the plight of the homeless, or saving the whales?

Parents need to support those activities —

1. to demonstrate that they are valued, and
2. to help develop a child's sense of self-efficacy — the conviction that "I can do it."

To promote your child's abilities:

• Try a variety of activities to explore your child's interests: athletics, drama, music, dance, Scouts, community service, school math or science clubs
• Show that you value what she cares about — attend her games or concerts, ask questions — and listen to the answers!
• Build family time around his interests: take him to the auto show, a basketball game, or the reptile exhibit at the zoo.
• Don't use his interest to punish or bribe him, e.g. forbidding him to play unless he finishes his homework.