James Donaldson on Mental Health - Early Signs of Learning Challenges

What parents can do at home Supporting your child’s learning outside the classroom is key.

Simple activities like reading, counting, or drawing together can help kids practice skills in a low-stress environment.

“Taking time to build enjoyment of reading by letting your child choose the books you read together” can help, says Dr.

Badaly, “Or even just helping them get used to how a book works, here’s the title, here’s the story.” Likewise, “math practice can be as simple as counting the apples when you’re making a pie together.” The point, she explains, is to make learning feel more natural and less fraught.

“All practice is good.” But she warns, parents should be careful not to overwhelm kids.

“You really want to approach learning in a fun and enthusiastic way instead of turning it into work, which can backfire and make kids feel less engaged, not more.“ Supporting kids’ self-esteem Learning differences can wreak havoc on kids’ confidence.

If you suspect your child is struggling in school, supporting their self-esteem can be a huge help, whether or not they’re ever diagnosed with an LD.

Learn more here about how help kids with learning challenges build self-esteem, gain confidence, and learn the skills they need to be more resilient when setbacks happen.

Frequently Asked Questions What are early signs of learning challenges?

What are some signs a child might develop learning challenges?