Woodbury Reports, Inc
Bonners Ferry, ID

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Parenting Students with
Learning Issues

Today's guest on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens was Scott Boice, the Director of Counseling Services at Brandon Hall School, discussing some key points concerning today's topic: parenting students with learning issues. Most importantly, parents need to understand the dangers of labeling their child, but rather focus on the learning differences they have. These labels can be damaging to a child's self esteem or can be used as an 'excuse' for poor performance in school.

Another key point that was brought up during the discussion was parents need to let go of expectations. It is hard for parents with children that have learning differences to face these expectations and come to realize their child is not going to be this or that: lawyer, doctor, and teacher, etc. or follow in their parents footsteps. "We all want our kids to be a straight A student, or as a parent we have concerns and fears centered on our child's future- how are they going to have a career? Or how will they make a living? But parents need to change their expectations.

Making connections (emotionally) for these children is extremely important. It is imperative to get a sense of who are kids are and where they are at. Spending quality time with your child enables you to really get to know them, and for them to open up and talk." Keep distractions to a minimum as much as possible i.e.: TV, the internet, the I Phone and text messaging, all of which can be a huge distraction for kids with learning issues, who tend to get lost in our 'media driven world'. Parents need to get creative in creating quality family time together, especially in our fast paced world, perhaps doing simple things like chores, or being involved in service work or community service as a family. Family vacations are also powerful in creating connections and family memories, where real conversations can take place.

And the most powerful skill a parent can have is to listen. It can be the ultimate form of respect and one that allows you to really learn about your child.

To listen to the full interview go to Parenting Students With Learning Issues on LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Scott Boice is the Director of Counseling Services at Brandon Hall School located in Atlanta, GA. Scott has worked some of the top adolescent treatment programs in addition to running a successful private practice and consulting business. He is also a former award winning television journalist and has received more than a dozen Associated Press awards, including being named Alabama Sports Anchor of the Year on three occasions and has been nominated for two Emmy awards.

This segment was sponsored by Spring Ridge Academy, 928-632-4602, www.springridgeacademy.com, a Therapeutic Boarding School for Girls in Arizona.

Stay Tuned...Upcoming Programs:

September

September 17:
Dr. Katie Kasenchak and Travis Slagle from Pacific Quest:
"Healing in Paradise: Adolescent Sustainable Growth"

September 24:
Mary Romero, author, child advocate and active Life Coach:
"Boundaries: How to Set Them and How to Keep Them"