To learn is to grow

The learning needs of children and young people change throughout their growing years. Although each developmental milestone commonly has an age level associated with it, the actual age when a normally developing child reaches that milestone can vary quite a bit – every person is unique! Every child also has different strengths. Developing those strengths may assist a young person to grow in confidence – even when other skills are found challenging.

Causes of learning challenges

Sometimes it is difficult to know the cause of why a child or young person is finding learning a new skill difficult. The reasons are many so it can take time, and patience, to discover the underlying cause. However, for an intervention to be successful, understanding what is going on can make a big difference to the approach and outcome. Be sure to consider WHY things are not going so well.

Remember…

There is no “one” solution

There is no single convenient answer to many of the most important concerns affecting your children and family. No matter how badly we might wish for a simple answer or “quick fix”, we are faced with having to evaluate conflicting viewpoints affecting any given issue or problem. In truth, things are often more complicated than we would like them to be and it requires real effort from parents, Service Providers and the community.

Be realistic

For the vast majority of children and young people it would be wrong to say that they have a problem from which they will never overcome or that little can be done to improve their situation. But, depending on your circumstances, the road forward may be long with many detours, speed bumps and the odd confusing road sign! Perseverance is often key.

Personal experience

Ultimately, what works best for you and your child will be determined by your own personal experience – what worked brilliantly for your neighbour’s child may be of no benefit at all to your own, even though symptomatically the problem appears identical.

Because:

• You know your child and family circumstances best;
• there may be no consensus as to the cause of certain problems or what the best solution is, and
• you are ultimately responsible for the care and welfare of your child…

KidsLink recommends that  you make your own enquiries as to the suitability, or otherwise, of any particular service or service provider.