Recognizing that thriving is achievable for all children, including those with learning differences, is the first step toward empowerment
Dr. Michelle Borba, in her book “Thrivers,” emphasizes that thriving is not an exclusive club but a goal that can be achieved by any child, including those with learning differences. Thriving children are described as happy, healthy, and high-performing, possessing a combination of seven teachable strengths: confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. As a parent, understanding that these strengths can be nurtured in your child at any age is empowering and sets the foundation for their journey towards thriving.
From Deficits to Strengths: Nurturing Confidence in Children with Learning Differences
As a parent of a child with learning differences, you may often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to best support your child’s development. The journey can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you have the power to make a significant difference. Drawing from the insights of Dr. Michelle Borba, a renowned educational consultant and parenting expert, this article will guide you through practical strategies to help your child thrive, emphasizing the crucial role you play in their journey.
Identifying and nurturing your child’s natural strengths is crucial for building self-confidence
One of the key challenges for children with learning differences is building self-confidence, especially when they struggle in traditional academic settings. Dr. Borba suggests shifting the focus from deficits to the child’s natural strengths and interests. By observing what your child is naturally eager and engaged with, you can identify their passions, whether it’s reading, music, or a particular hobby. Encouraging these activities not only boosts self-confidence but also provides a foundation for resilience and thriving.
Author Quote
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If we start by nurturing the natural nature of the kid or what he loves to do and then pass that on to grandma, the teacher, the daycare worker, it helps the child realize that no matter whatever comes his way, he’s got something to help him stand up on his own two feet.
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Cultivating empathy in children with learning differences requires understanding and patience
Empathy is another critical strength that can be cultivated in children with learning differences. Dr. Borba highlights the misconception that empathy is either present or absent in a child. Instead, she explains that empathy can be nurtured and may manifest differently in each child. For some, it may be affective empathy, shown through emotional responses, while for others, it may be cognitive empathy, where they understand and process others’ feelings internally. As a parent, recognizing and encouraging these different forms of empathy can help your child develop this vital strength.
Key Takeaways:
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Focus on Strengths and Hobbies: Encourage your child to engage in activities they love, not just what they are good at. Identifying and nurturing their natural interests and hobbies can significantly boost their self-confidence. This approach helps children with learning challenges realize their strengths and build a foundation for resilience and thriving.
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Cultivate Empathy: Understand that empathy can be cultivated and may manifest differently in children with learning differences. Recognize both affective and cognitive empathy, as they are valuable in different ways. Encourage environments where empathy is practiced and valued, helping your child develop this critical social skill.
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Promote Perseverance and Agency: Acknowledge the hard work your child puts into overcoming learning challenges, as this fosters perseverance. Encourage a sense of agency by focusing on their effort and process rather than just the end results. This helps them understand that their progress is based on their own efforts, boosting their confidence and motivation.
Encouraging perseverance in children with learning differences can be a natural outcome of their hard work and effort
Children with learning differences often exhibit perseverance naturally due to the challenges they face daily. Dr. Borba notes that this trait is highly correlated with thriving, as it fosters a sense of agency and self-efficacy. As a parent, you can reinforce this by focusing on the effort your child puts into their tasks rather than solely on the outcomes. Emphasizing the process and the joy of learning, rather than just grades or scores, can help your child see the value in their perseverance and boost their confidence. This approach aligns well with the principles of a Growth Mindset , which encourages continual learning and resilience in the face of challenges.
Author Quote
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One of the highest correlations of children who thrive is they have a sense of agency. Agency means I got it, I can do it, and when they start measuring themselves based on well if I just work a little harder because here’s where I am but if I just put the effort in, I’ll get better and better better.
”Overcoming the challenge of anxiety in children with learning differences can lead to a better life through fostering a Growth Mindset and Emotional Intelligence
One of the specific challenges highlighted in the transcript is the prevalence of anxiety among children, which can be particularly pronounced in those with learning differences. As a parent, your role is pivotal in helping your child overcome this challenge. By fostering a Growth Mindset, you encourage your child to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Additionally, developing Emotional Intelligence can help your child manage their anxiety and navigate social interactions more effectively. Through these tools, you can empower your child to thrive and lead a fulfilling life.
Empower your child to thrive by nurturing their unique strengths with the Brain Bloom System. Visit https://learningsuccess.ai/brain-bloom/ to discover how this system can help your child build confidence, empathy, and perseverance, essential for overcoming learning challenges.
