It always seems impossible until it’s done. ~ Nelson Mandela

We’re up to the letter R, and the word for today is RESILIENCE.

Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. It is an essential characteristic for children with reading and learning difficulties. They may face a range of challenges, including difficulties with reading, writing, and other academic tasks, which can be particularly daunting and frustrating.

However, resilience allows your child to overcome setbacks and keep working towards their goals.

When it comes to reading and learning, resilience is important for these 3 reasons:

1. Overcoming Challenges: Reading and learning difficulties can be frustrating and demotivating for children. However, when they develop resilience, they can bounce back from setbacks and overcome obstacles. This means they can persist in their efforts to improve their reading and learning skills, even when they encounter difficulties.
2. Developing Confidence: Children who lack resilience may be more likely to give up on tasks when they encounter difficulty, which can lead to a lack of confidence in their abilities. However, when they develop resilience, they can learn to believe in their own abilities and to view challenges as opportunities for growth. This can help them to build confidence in their reading and learning skills, which can have a positive impact on their academic and personal lives.
3. Promoting Positive Attitudes: When children develop resilience, they are more likely to maintain a positive attitude towards learning. They may view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as failures. This can lead to a more positive approach to learning, which can help children to stay motivated and engaged in their academic pursuits. Also, a positive attitude towards learning can lead to improved academic performance and greater success in school.

You can help your child cultivate resilience through a variety of strategies. I’ll highlight 3 of them:

1. One of the most important is a positive and supportive learning environment. This environment will make your child feel valued and supported and they’re more likely to believe in themselves and work to overcome their challenges
2. Another strategy is focusing on the positive aspects of learning and celebrating progress. When your child can see progress and improvement, even if it is gradual, they are more likely to stay motivated and focused on their goals. You can also help your child develop a growth mindset. When they do, they’’’ believe that their abilities will keep growing as they’re work consistently.
3. The 3^rd strategy is to provide opportunities for your child to practice resilience in real-world situations. When your child experiences success in the face of adversity, they’re more likely to develop resilience and a sense of self-assurance that will serve them well beyond school.

When you focus on fostering resilience in your child, you can help them build the skills they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

If your child has trouble reading and learning, join the Parenting Hub, where you can connect and network with parents who share similar challenges, ask questions, and seek and find solutions. If you know someone who has a child with learning differences, send them the above link.