Helping Children with Dyslexia
Succeed in Life

It is not easy helping children with dyslexia, but with God all things are possible. Dyslexia is more than a learning disability. It also has a social-emotional aspect. We as parents can help our children develop a godly self image.

Social Emotional

Some of the problems stem from the child not being able to meet our expectations. We see a bright child who is not able to read or spell. Other social and emotional problems come from the disability itself.

Here are some of the social emotional problems that people with dyslexia face.

Some dyslexics are perfectionists. I have seen this in my own children. They just do not want to make a mistake.
Because dyslexics have trouble doing schoolwork they may feel inferior.
Social situations can be difficult for people with dyslexia. They may pause or stammer when asked a question because they are having difficulty finding the right word to say.
Some people with dyslexia have difficulty with making friends. They may have difficulty reading social cues.

Dr. Michael Ryan brings out three areas of helping children with dyslexia be successful adults.

He says that children need encouragement and support.
Children also need to find an area where they can succeed.
Dr. Ryan's last point is for the person with dyslexia to find a way to help other people.

Viewing Dyslexia through God's Eyes

Seeing ourselves and abilities through the eyes of God is good for helping children with dyslexia. We need to teach our children that God made them in His image.

Our children also need to know that we all have faults and difficulties. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 we read that Christ's strength is made perfect in weakness. God can use our weaknesses to show His glory.

We should teach our children that wisdom comes from God. Being wise does not necessary mean being able to get a high score on the SAT or some other test. In Proverbs 9:10 we read that, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (NKJ).

Our children need to understand that we all have gifts and we should use our gifts to serve others (Romans 12:4-7 and 1 Corinthians 12:7). Also in Matthew 25:14- 30 we read about three servants that were given talents to keep for their master. Two of the servants used the talents to make more. They were praised by the master. One servant was only given one talent which he buried. He was reprimanded for not putting it to use. We should use the talents that are given to us.

The church is a good place to find ways to help other people. Your child could find ways to help at church. Other youth go on short term mission trips.