Did you struggle to learn? Why not let your child know.
Did you struggle to learn? Do you still have shame thinking about school and having to face these issues again with your child is just too much?
I get it. I had to start writing out my experiences to deal with them. I was in denial. I had stuffed every shame and pain so far down I didn't even know if it was real. That’s deep my friends.
I see many parents talk about their child's learning struggles but they are quiet about their own. Now you don’t have to have a learning difference but generally one parent does.
When speaking at a conference a few months ago, a man approached me to ask what he could do to help his child. He knew they were smart and capable as I had mentioned in my talk but he was at a loss of what he could do to empower them.
We started talking about him and his experiences. I asked him questions such as:
How did you learn? about you.
Do you talk to them about it?
Is it similar or different to them?
Can you relate? Is there still shame?
How can you help them (and you walk through the shame) and step into acceptance and empowering each other by the incredible way that you see the world!
Then let them know... they need to feel they are not alone.
Because when we take ownership of our way of learning without the shame so will our children.
It will give them what they need to continue to walk through this learning journey -- no matter what barriers face them. You see, you have a powerful role to play as a parent.
You can say...me too.
I learn in a way that is similar to you.
Or guess what, you can read better than I can (celebrate this too) .
Let them know we all have strengths and weaknesses and that they are not alone. It's not just about them. You have your own learning journey too.
Finally, share what works for you when you are learning and help them set up their own way of learning — this is a hidden gift that must be unwrapped today!
Susan
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Photo by Andre Benz