But their task is especially important for children with learning disabilities. Here are things parents can do to boost that child’s self-esteem:

• Give your child a household task to do—then let him do it. He needs to feel that he is making a contribution to the family.
• Try to be consistent in routines. Have a regular time for play and for bed.
• Turn off the TV during the school week. It’s easier than fighting about it every day.
• Be patient with reminders. You will repeat yourself—but your child does not forget things on purpose.
• Reward work well done. Your reward should be immediate, appropriate and small.
• Try not to nag.
• Read to your child as much as possible.
• Take care of yourself. If you neglect your needs, you can’t meet your child’s.
• Encourage your child in things he does well, whether it’s art, sports or music.
• Encourage your child to join social groups like the Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts.
• Praise, praise, praise. It is very hard to praise an LD child too much.
• Don’t spoil your child. This will only make things worse.

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