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 Okay this is more of a statement than a question.  I found out my daughter has dyslexia a few months ago and it wasnt an issue because I already had a feeling that she was dyslexic and I was ready to deal with it.  What was shocking to me was the response I got from people who I thought were my friends.  When I told my mom and best friend about the test result you would have thought that I just told them that she was dying or something.  My mother said, Oh honey, I so sorry I was really hoping she didnt have it! What is that suppose to mean!!!! At a time when I have no idea what to do and where to turn this is the response I get. I am as confused as she is.  She starts forth grade next year and shes starting to get frustrated with learning.  She came home from school today and started studying her division as soon as she walked in the door.  Normally she has a regime that she follows but not today.  When I asked her why shes studying and its almost the end of school she said she didnt want to feel stupid tomorrow when the teacher puts the problems on the board.  She didnt want to be the only child kid that doesnt understand. (My heart just fell to the floor) I can see its affecting her self-esteem and I dont know what to do.  It breaks my heart that she is losing confidence in herself. 

After a long drawn out explanation my question is how do you handle this situation, what do you do or say? 

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Parent Replies to "Supportive Advice Needed"

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caslynh
caslynh July 2, 2009
Re: Supportive Advice Needed
CTgirl21 I completely understand how you feel about your child. One of the biggest obstacles with wanting to be a good parent is having to work and still be an intricate part of their learning process you want to be able to protect them and make sure to keep them from any negative influences. I work for myself but I am still very busy and it's hard to balance my business and my family life. You do the best you can and hope that your kids understand that you have the best of intentions and you are only doing it to protect them. I talk to my kids about everything no questions are off limits. I don't know the relationship you have with your child but I'm sure that they know that you love them and that's really all that matters.
CTgirl21
CTgirl21 July 2, 2009
Re: Supportive Advice Needed
in regards to Caslynh, I think it is really great that you are able to play such an intrical role in your childs education but I work full time and to be able to spend that amount of time tutoring my own child is almost impossible. I think this is where the school system comes in..... they need to be able to provide what is necessary for my child to learn. My son is going into 4th grade with a DRA of 20. This is a very good school system but they need to pay for one on one tutoring in order to get him where he needs to be......

I just realized I got off subject.... this is easy to do when you are feeling so passionate about your children......
spedexaminer
spedexaminer July 2, 2009
Re: Supportive Advice Needed
Generally the only reason one would share info about a child's learning issues is to keep them from being misunderstood. E,g, kids with adhd need to move or fidget to STAY attentive, it is not an insult to the person they are supposed to be paying attention too, it is their way of paying attention. Or a child playing sports who has APD would have a hard time understanding directions from a coach during a noisy game. etc..
dhfl143
dhfl143 July 2, 2009
Re: Supportive Advice Needed
Many of us have faced these circumstances. I am sorry if I did not understand the import of you initial post. Persons can be insensitive for many reasons. It can be frustrating to deal with individuals that make inappropriate comments or pry into you family's personal business. I have learned to only share information regarding my child’s dyslexia when necessary and only with person’s who are supportive and helpful. It is not necessary to share with others the fact that your daughter has dyslexia. If that option works for you, I would certainly not hesitate to use it.

In addition, I have found that prior to making that decision, I had shared information with some in my family who were not supportive, understanding, or held different views regarding our choices. When these persons choose to make comments or inquire about my daughter’s dyslexia, or how we have chosen to deal with it -- sometimes I just ignore the comments, do not engage the person further on this topic, and just change the subject. At times, when I felt it necessary I have set the record straight and let them know that they really don’t know the facts about dyslexia and are not speaking from and informed position and that as her parents we are informed and are meeting her at her needs and let them know she is doing great. There have been situations when I have simply stated something positive about my daughter's talents and changed the subject. In some instances, I felt it important to educate some – and shared factual information that changed their perspective.

Use what works for you and your family. It sounds as if you have already come up with some viable options.

Best Wishes.

(462034)
NLVDMom
NLVDMom July 2, 2009
Re: Supportive Advice Needed
Good attitude, because you know what? It really isn't anybody's business, ultimately. So if telling people brings unwanted opinions and advice, then just go forth and prosper! It's not that it's a secret, it is just not relevant to that many conversations. Nor is your child's latest blood pressure reading, although hopefully that is also excellent!
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Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of GreatSchools. GreatSchools does not check for accuracy in community posts or verify the contributor’s identity. If you are searching for health-related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Community Guidelines for more details.

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