As a mother of a child with dyslexia, I often find myself navigating a minefield of thoughtless remarks from those who simply don’t understand. My son is incredibly bright and puts in a tremendous amount of effort, yet he faces challenges with learning disabilities that make school a daunting place for him. Even in subjects where he grasps the concepts—like math—he sometimes brings home disappointing grades due to misinterpreted instructions or number reversals.
Thanks to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), he has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that provides essential tools and accommodations to help him succeed. However, the real hazards come in the form of careless comments made by well-meaning parents.
For instance, I often hear things like, “Can you believe my second-grader reads better than his fifth-grade buddy?” In those moments, I think, “My fifth-grader is struggling with reading, and maybe you’re talking about him without even knowing it.”
Another time, a parent lamented, “My daughter isn’t in the top spelling group. I’m scheduling a meeting with her teacher.” I remain silent, wondering if they expect sympathy. My son just graduated from his individual word list to the lowest spelling group, and we celebrated that achievement. He studies diligently for his spelling tests each week, painfully aware that many peers don’t study at all.
And then there are the comments about how difficult it is to find challenging books for gifted readers. “My daughter reads at a 9th-grade level!” Wham! It feels like a verbal bombshell.
I might come across as overly sensitive, but it’s crucial to remember that approximately 15-20% of the population has a language-based learning disability, as highlighted by the International Dyslexia Association. When you toss out these seemingly harmless remarks, you might be unintentionally inflicting harm on children who are already struggling, as well as their dedicated parents. School is challenging for many kids; there is no need to remind us about your child’s seamless academic journey.
So, let’s put those verbal grenades down, shall we? Some of us are already facing enough battles without additional emotional landmines.
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Summary
Navigating the world as a parent of a child with dyslexia can be challenging, especially when faced with thoughtless comments from others. These remarks, often made by well-meaning individuals, can unintentionally hurt children and their families who are already overcoming significant obstacles. It’s essential to foster an understanding environment where every child’s struggles are acknowledged and respected.