Learning Difficulties and Behavioral Problems in Children: Getting Past Them

No parent trains their child thinking that they will face some learning difficulties, or will struggle with basic education. Most kids would learn their ABC’s, numbers and shapes easily enough, but if your child is struggling to get past this stage, it is important that you take early action, and not just wave it off as something they will overcome with time.

The best educationists and learning instructors will work to help your kids learn in the best way; with ample help in whatever area they might be lacking. In this article, we have gathered a list of some questions which parents frequently ask concerning their child’s learning challenges. So, if you have been searching for an answer to a question, and you have been unable to find those answers anywhere else, we have made it possible for you to help your children through any learning difficulties they might have.

Question: My child does not get excited about learning. Right from toddlerhood, he showed very little interest in reading and other learning activities. Now, his favorite pastime is watching TV. How can I encourage my child to find the fun in learning?

Answer: The first thing to understand is that all children differ. You might have two children, and while one loves learning to read and write, the second child is more interested in playing and engaging in physical activities all day long. The second child would require a different learning approach from the first. Rather than force your active kids to sit at a place and read, try to fit learning into their regular routine. For example, during your grocery run, converse with your child. At the dinner table, ask your child questions that will help them learn, but make it interactive.

You could also use their favorite activities to make learning more fun. If your child enjoys watching TV shows, help them learn through gamified learning, or introduce them to learning shows that have some of your child’s favorite characters. If you are looking for educational apps to help your children, there are many quality ones available to install for your child’s learning.

Question: My child does not have confidence. She finds solving mathematics easy enough and enjoys working on numbers, but writing is a problem for her, because she insists that she cannot “do it”. How can I help my child change this negative mindset?

Answer: Children struggling with confidence when it comes to learning are quite a regular thing. It is not so easy for children to build enough motivation or interest to attempt a skill which they might fail at. If you have a child who constantly cries when they have to attempt something new, or they feel like they can’t do it, reassure them that it is okay to fail sometimes. However, failure does not stop future success, so encourage them to try, try, and try again. Use apps which help them practice their handwriting skills, and allow them learn at their pace, increasing the difficulty when they are good and ready. Your kids will gain more confidence when they succeed at something and be more eager to try again.

Question: My preschooler does not focus on things. He enjoys reading and learning, and even watching TV, but he does not focus long enough to complete a book or a TV show. How can I help him learn to be more focused?

Answer: Children have shorter attention spans than adults, but your child might have an even shorter attention span than is considered normal. If you have a child who is hyperactive and fidgety, getting him/her to focus will be a challenge. Occupy your kids with something to help them practice their learning skills. For example, you can download worksheets for reading practice for your child. You can help alleviate their fidgety ways by giving your child a squeeze ball. This will satisfy his need to move around, and still allow him focus on the learning task at hand.

Dealing with children who suffer from behavioral issues can be stressful on both the kids and parents. The good news is that you are not alone, and there are many ways you can help your children build their confidence and overcome their learning difficulties.