Releasing Guilt: Supporting Dyslexic Children
One key insight shared involves the importance of parents releasing guilt and shame associated with their child’s dyslexia. A mother expressed that schools often recommend reading with their child for 20 minutes each night, a common practice for supporting literacy development. However, she was reminded that her child’s dyslexia is not her fault and she should release any feelings of guilt. This message is crucial for parents, as harboring such emotions does not aid in supporting their child’s learning journey. By letting go of guilt and shame, parents can focus more effectively on helping their child with dyslexia navigate their educational path.
Daily Reading Hacks for Dyslexia
As a parent of a child with dyslexia, you might carry the weight of guilt and shame, but it’s crucial to release these feelings—they don’t serve you or your child’s learning journey. You have the power to make a significant difference by ensuring consistent daily reading exposure, even if it’s less than 20 minutes, tailored to your child’s comfort and abilities. By adapting your reading practices, such as alternating pages or sentences, you can create a positive and successful experience for your child. Embrace these strategies to empower both yourself and your child on this unique path with dyslexia.
Daily Reading Boosts strategies Skills
One key insight shared involves the importance of daily reading exposure for children with Dyslexia. According to Dr. Sally Shaywitz in “Overcoming Dyslexia,” children who read 20 minutes a night are exposed to 1.8 million words per year and score at the 90th percentile in reading proficiency. For children with Dyslexia, this consistent reading can be adjusted to their comfort level, such as reading together where a parent reads two pages and the child reads two sentences. This approach allows children with Dyslexia to gradually improve their vocabulary and reading skills. For parents of children with Dyslexia, this means that even small, regular reading sessions can significantly enhance their child’s reading abilities and overall academic performance.
Author Quote
“
It’s not your fault. Did you hear me? It’s not your fault. And I want you to release it.
”
Adapting Reading Practices for support
One effective Dyslexia approach involves adapting reading practices to the child’s current abilities and comfort level. For children with Dyslexia, such as the daughter mentioned in the transcript, alternating reading pages or sentences can help manage reading fatigue. This method allows the child to engage with text at a pace that suits their needs, ensuring a positive and successful reading experience. The transcript highlights that exposure to reading at home significantly impacts children with Dyslexia in a positive way. For parents, this means that by tailoring reading sessions, they can support their child’s progress and foster a love for reading despite the challenges posed by Dyslexia.
Key Takeaways:
1
Release Blame and Shame: It's crucial for parents to understand that their child's dyslexia is not their fault. Nicole emphasizes the importance of releasing the blame and shame that often accompanies the realization that a child is struggling with reading. This emotional burden can hinder a parent's ability to move forward and support their child effectively. Parents should engage in activities that help them process these feelings, such as journaling, exercising, or talking to someone who understands their situation.
2
Importance of Reading Exposure: While reading with your child for 20 minutes a night is beneficial and can significantly increase their exposure to vocabulary, it alone does not remediate dyslexia. Dr. Sally Shaywitz's research, as mentioned by Nicole, shows that the amount of time spent reading correlates with reading test scores, with children reading 20 minutes a day scoring at the 90th percentile. However, parents should adapt reading sessions to their child's needs, such as reading together or alternating pages, to ensure it is a positive experience.
3
Take Action and Seek Support: Parents should focus on taking actionable steps to support their child's reading journey. This includes seeking interventions specifically designed for dyslexia, as mentioned by Nicole, and joining supportive communities like the Dyslexia Mom Life podcast community. By sharing resources and experiences, parents can help each other and ensure they are not alone in this journey. Every small step taken can lead to significant progress over time.
Practical Strategies for Supporting Dyslexic Children
For parents of children with dyslexia, incorporating practical strategies into daily life can make a significant difference. Encourage your child to use multisensory learning techniques, such as tracing letters in sand or using clay to form words, which can help reinforce reading and spelling skills. Establish a consistent routine for reading practice, setting aside a specific time each day to read together, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Use audiobooks to complement traditional reading, allowing your child to enjoy stories and build vocabulary without the pressure of decoding text. Celebrate small victories, like mastering a new word or successfully reading a short passage, to keep motivation high. By integrating these simple yet effective strategies, parents can support their child’s journey with dyslexia and foster a love for learning.
Author Quote
“
It could be that you sit beside each other and you read together. Maybe you read two pages and then she reads two sentences, right? Like you got to figure out where they are but let them start having some success.
”Empowering Dyslexic Children to Thrive
For parents of children with dyslexia, embracing specialized approaches, such as working with a Dyslexia Tutor, can lead to remarkable long-term benefits and growth. By providing the right support and strategies, children can overcome reading challenges and thrive academically and personally. It’s encouraging to know that with persistence and the right tools, many kids with dyslexia develop into confident learners who often excel in creative and analytical thinking. While the journey may have its ups and downs, setting realistic expectations and celebrating small victories can make a significant difference. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and with the proper guidance, your child can achieve great things and reach their full potential.
Support parents of children with learning challenges with Dyslexia Bundle to overcome challenges.
