Dyslexia makes reading, spelling, and in some cases, writing difficult. That does not imply that a child is slow. A lot of children who have dyslexia are highly intelligent. They simply learn differently. As a parent, you can help your child feel safe, confident, and understanding.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disparity. It also affects the performance of the brain concerning sounds and letters. A child with dyslexia could:
- Confuse such letters as b and d.
- Read slowly.
- Omit little words.
- Have trouble spelling.
These can be what makes school difficult. Yet, a child can recover and perform well with adequate support.
Signs to Watch For
Look for simple signs at home:
- Trouble learning letter names and sounds.
- Problems with rhyming words.
- Slow or choppy reading.
- Avoid reading or say, “I hate reading.”
- Trouble remembering words you just read.
If you see these things, trust your gut and help your child get checked.
Start With How You Talk
Words matter. Say things that build hope.
- Say, “You can learn this.”
- Say, “I am proud of how hard you try.”
- Avoid saying, “You are lazy.”
Keep phrases short and kind. Children listen to how we speak about them. When we sound calm and hopeful, they feel safe to try.
Make Learning into Small Steps
Big tasks feel scary. Break them into tiny steps.
- Read one short line, not a whole page.
- Practice one sound each day.
- Do five spelling words, not twenty.
Small wins add up. Celebrate each step.
Use Fun and Simple Ways to Practice
Kids learn best when they play. Try these ideas:
- Read aloud together. Take turns.
- Use letter tiles or blocks to build words.
- Play rhyming games.
- Point to words as you read them.
- Let your child read a favorite short book again and again.
Keep sessions short. Spending five to ten minutes can make a significant difference.
Help With Homework without Doing It for Them
Don’t be a fixer, be a coach.
- Question them and say, “Do you want me to listen while you read?”
- Praise: Nice try. You gave it out phonetically.
- If they get stuck, give a slight hint. Don’t finish the word for them.
This aids them in the acquisition of knowledge about problem-solving.
Use Tools That Make Reading Easier
There are simple tools that help:
- Audiobooks let your child hear the words while they follow the text.
- Read-aloud features on phones and tablets can read text for them.
- Colored overlays or reading rulers sometimes make it easier to track lines.
Try what works for your child. Little changes can make significant differences.
Work With the School
Talk to your child’s teacher. Inquire about a plan that suits your child’s requirements. Schools can offer:
- Extra time for tests.
- Smaller reading groups.
- Tutoring with a reading specialist.
Take notes at meetings. Be calm and clear. Your goal is to make learning fair for your child.
Help Your Child Feel Safe at School
Children with dyslexia can feel embarrassed. You can help them feel strong.
- Explain dyslexia like this: “My brain learns words in a different way.”
- Request hands-on or verbal projects from the teacher.
- Ensure the teacher watches for bullying and intervenes.
Support Feelings and Confidence
School can hit self-esteem. Help your child feel proud.
- Praise effort more than results.
- Find things they do well, like drawing, sports, or building.
- Let them teach you something. Kids love to show what they know.
This builds a sense of success that helps in every part of life.
When to Get Extra Help
If reading stays very hard, ask a specialist. A child psychiatrist or a trained reading therapist can help find the proper supports. Faith Mental Health and Wellness offers child psychiatry care that looks at the whole child. They can:
- Check for coexisting issues like anxiety or attention differences.
- Offer family support and guidance.
- Work with schools to build a plan that fits your child.
Early help gives better outcomes. Believe in your worries and seek assistance when necessary.
How Faith Mental Health and Wellness Can Help
Faith Mental Health and Wellness focuses on child psychiatry and family care. They offer kind and clear help for children and parents. Their team uses age-appropriate therapies and works with schools. Faith Sapit, PMHNP-BC, leads the team and has experience in child and teen care. The clinic helps families make a step-by-step plan. They aim for real, practical changes that help your child learn and feel better.
Tips for Daily Life
Here are simple habits that help every day:
- Read a little every day. Make it short and fun.
- Keep a routine for homework time. Routines reduce stress.
- Use stickers or a small chart for progress. Kids like to see wins.
- Talk about hard days. Ask, “What went well?” and “What was hard?”
- Sleep, food, and play matter. A well-rested child learns better.
Talk about Strengths, Not Just Struggles
Dyslexia can bring strong skills. Many kids with dyslexia are good at:
- Big picture thinking.
- Being creative.
- Solving puzzles.
Point these out. Help your child see a complete picture of who they are.
Build a Team
You do not have to do this alone. Build a team that includes:
- Your child.
- You and other family members.
- Teachers and reading specialists.
- A child psychiatrist or counselor, when needed.
Everyone working together gives the child steady support.
Conclusion
You can make a big difference. Small steps and steady support count. Your love and patience mean more than quick fixes or perfect tools. If you are worried, reach out. Faith Mental Health and Wellness is there to guide you with care and real help. Your child can learn, grow, and shine.
FAQs
Q. How can I tell if my child has dyslexia?
Look for trouble with letters, slow reading, or trouble rhyming words. If reading is much more complex than for other kids, ask for a check.
Q. What should I tell my child about dyslexia?
Say it simply: their brain learns words differently. Tell them you believe in them and that effort matters.