Being a good parent a child with dyslexia

If your dyslexic child is struggling at school, losing confidence and avoiding learning, there are ways you can help them.

Be understanding

Remember that your child will be working harder than their classmates or siblings because of the processing difficulties associated with short term memory. This means that they may come home exhausted, frustrated and possibly angry with themselves and others.

Your role is to praise what they have done well, listen to what hasn’t gone well and work with them to find solutions. 

Be encouraging

You have a tremendous influence on your child’s attitude to learning. Remind them that everyone is good at something and even though they find some things difficult, they have other strengths. Your child’s success will be greatly increased if they feel confident. If they feel confident then they will keep trying.

Be supportive

It is important to liaise with the class teacher and Support for Learning staff in order to maintain positive relationships with school. Share your concerns with the teacher and discuss ways to tackle problem areas together. It is not your child who is a problem, nor is it dyslexia. If your child can learn in the way that suits them, then school work will not be as difficult. Schools and local authorities have policies for working with children with additional support needs – you can ask for a copy.

Be patient

Try to avoid them feeling failure at home, which should be a reassuring and supportive place.

Be positive

Be organised