No One Likes to Feel Dumb: Helping Kids Overcome Academic Obstacles

After thinking a lot about what to write today with the help of a trusted advisor, I am sharing a story about helping your child through a challenge.

I asked our youngest daughter, Megan, before sharing her story today.

Megan began to experience difficulty in school around the age of 8. 

In preschool and early elementary school, I had my suspicions, but was told not to worry—all kids even out.

Although that’s true, by the time kids reach third grade, it’s important to make sure they are functioning well, and if not, help figure that out.

We were fortunate to have a great school system, and that does make a difference.

Megan’s fourth grade teacher, Mary, and I had a wonderful partnership.  She listened to what I was wondering, and began to monitor and affirm what my concerns were. 

Fourth grade starts to require more independence and processing for kids.

Mary and I both noticed gaps between what Megan understood and her performance. She would have trouble on tests, on completion of assignments, and on overall consistency.

No one likes to feel dumb.

Because I was an educator as well, it was easy for Mary and I to talk the same language and come up with a plan.

Our school district listened and agreed to have Megan undergo an evaluation to determine how she learned and what would help her achieve.

Kids know when they don’t get it, but don’t know how to ask for and get the help they need.

Through the help of many professionals and trusted people, Mary and I came up with a plan and a program to help Megan realize her full potential.

Learning differently—all of us have our own learning style.

At the beginning of the second term, strategies, plans and accommodations were put into place for Megan.

She began to see results.  Her ability to perform aligned with her intelligence, and that makes all the difference.

Kids need our help. 

School is their lab.  It’s where they learn a lot about themselves, how the world works, and how it relates to them.  If they aren’t able to find success in that environment, it sets up a long fight for personal self-worth.

Megan, I am thrilled to say, found her way well.  Some times were harder than others, but today, she is a teacher with not one, but two Masters degrees. She advocates for kids all the time.

Parenting:  both a noun and a verb.

Helping your kids be who they can be and need to be—that’s our job.

Trust your gut; you know your kids better than anyone!

Until next time,

Pam