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Tips for Building Self-Esteem

Writer's picture: Chrissy HyattChrissy Hyatt

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills related to reading and spelling. Having dyslexia often comes with its own set of emotional hurdles. Low self-esteem can be experienced by children with dyslexia, as they may struggle with feelings of frustration. This may harm their overall well-being and academic performance.


Understanding the Impact of Dyslexia on Self-Esteem


Children with dyslexia often face repeated academic challenges, which can lead to a cycle of failure and reduced confidence. They might feel less capable than their peers, this not only affects their self-esteem but can also influence their attitude toward learning and school.


Recognising the Signs of Low Self-Esteem


It’s crucial to be vigilant and recognise the signs of low self-esteem, which can include:

  • Reluctance to go to school

  • Avoidance of reading or writing tasks

  • Negative self-talk, such as saying “I’m stupid” or “I’ll never get this”

  • Withdrawal from friends and social activities

  • Displaying signs of anxiety


Steps Parents Can Take to Boost Self-Esteem


Celebrate Strengths and Talents: Focus on your child’s strengths, whether they are in art, sports, music, or problem-solving. Celebrating these talents can help shift the focus from what your child finds difficult to what they excel at.


Provide Consistent Encouragement: Offer praise for effort put in rather than the outcome. Encourage persistence and resilience by acknowledging the hard work your child puts into their tasks, regardless of the end result.


Create a Supportive Learning Environment: Establish a quiet, organised, and distraction-free space for studying and homework. Use tools and resources designed for dyslexic learners, such as audiobooks, speech-to-text software, and visual aids.


Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable, realistic goals that they can accomplish. This will provide a sense of progress and accomplishment, reinforcing feelings of self-worth.


Encourage Independence: Teach your child strategies to manage their dyslexia independently, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, or using time-management strategies.


Seek Professional Support: Sometimes, additional support from a dyslexia specialist teacher can be invaluable. They can offer targeted strategies and interventions to help your child to succeed.


Final Thoughts

By focusing on building your child’s self-esteem and providing the right support, you can help them to begin to overcome their academic challenges and develop into a confident and capable individual. Dyslexia is just one part of who an individual is, with the support anyone can flourish.

 




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