Criticizing children with learning difficulties, how to respond to them
Not all people they learn At the same rhythm. There are some children who have a little more trouble than their peers to follow the rite either because they have a deficit view, ear problems or some other disorder that makes them fall a little behind the rest. These minors may be the object of criticism that they do not understand this personal context.
Parents have to answer these criticisms and come out in defense of the youngest of the house with learning difficulty. Adults will have to explain their mistake to critics and show that children with these problems only need a little more time than the rest to achieve the same results. In this way, the little ones will also feel the support and greater confidence, instead of believing themselves less than the rest.
Answers to criticism
If a relative or acquaintance during a meeting makes this criticism to the smallest, the parents can answer as follows and explain the situation of the child. These are some tips offered by the Understood Foundation:
"This child is lazy"
Those who launch this criticism must understand that nothing is further from reality. Children with difficulties do in fact work much harder to solve these problems and reach the level of the rest. It only happens that the results take a little longer to arrive.
"I could do better"
Not knowing how much academic life can hinder a learning difficulty such as dyslexia can cause other adults to value the results negatively. In these cases we must make them understand that there is already a plan in place to ensure that the effects of these problems are reduced and that the results accompany them.
"He wants to get attention"
It is true that some children claim attention by showing nervous attitudes or screaming. But in the case of children with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, there is a real problem behind these attitudes. Parents should indicate that there is a diagnosis that explains this behavior.
"Why do not you stop behaving like that?"
Following the case of ADHD, parents can explain to their classmates that it is not so easy to say "for" and that this behavior pauses. As for someone with a cold, it is impossible to stop coughing, for those who have this disorder, they need it before a treatment.
"My son..."
As the saying goes, "comparisons are odious." Each case is a world, and like the child who has learning difficulties, the child of this person will have other problems that must be solved and that do not deserve to be shared with other people.
"What I would do ..."
In these cases the best response is to thank the council and in case you have interest, delve deeper into it. For example, a recommendation about a specialist who can help the child. Otherwise, it is best not to fall into the discussion and keep betting on the educational model with which you try to improve the child's problems.
Damián Montero
