Typically, the child or teen who struggles with attention, executive functioning, social, emotional or learning problems is quite aware she has trouble at school.

Children and teens tend to “generalize” their challenges with school work or getting along with others in school to their overall abilities. Even though a child or teen may perform well on non-academic tasks, if she struggles at school, she may make statements like, “I can’t do anything right!” or “I’m a failure.”

Help Her Understand Her Current Worth and Her Future Potential

Helping your child or teen understand the difference between her difficulties and her potential is the first step toward improving her self-compassion.

• First, assure your child that she is not stupid, lazy, or “bad”.
• Affirm that she is smart and she has great potential.
• It is important to let your child know that all children and adults have weaknesses.
• Talk about her strengths and let her know she has tremendous worth.
• Assure her that no one can take her place or do what she does well.
• Next, tell your child you understand why she has trouble learning.
• Educate her about her specific challenges utilizing age-appropriate books and materials.
• Help her to understand that she can get better at whatever is difficult for her.
• Finally, share how you plan to work with her educators address her difficulties.

With the understanding and acceptance of her learning, social, emotional, or attention challenges, a child or teen frequently becomes less hard on herself emotionally and over time becomes tougher on herself to accomplish specific goals.

Need Help Addressing Your Child/Teen’s Needs? 

Call 817.421.8780 to learn about our research-proven counseling techniques.

(c) 2009- 2014, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.