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New Year's Resolutions for Parents of Learning Disabled Students

Special Needs New Year's Resolutions

By , About.com Guide

Losing weight, saving money, and getting a better job are usually among the top New Year's resolutions for many of us. As the parent of a child with learning disabilities, here are a few more you may want to add to that list.

1. Resolve to Reduce Your Stress Levels During the School Year

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Many parents experience periods of stress as they adjust to the demands of parenting a learning disabled child. Learn about common reactions parents show toward their children's disabilities and find helpful ways to cope.

2. Communicate More Effectively with Your LD Child

Communication with a learning disabled child can be challenging, especially for children who have language processing problems. These students often have difficulty focusing on conversations and gleaning the important facts necessary for understanding. Learn some strategies to improve communication with your child.

3. Create a More Positive Relationship with Your Child's School

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Parent involvement is important to help your learning disabled child be as successful as possible. Educators recommend that parents take active roles in helping their children learn. This is particularly important for students with learning disorders and others in special education programs. There are many ways parents can become more involved in their children's programs beyond IEP team meetings. Here are some ideas to get you started.

4. Learn to be a Better Advocate - Resolve to Enroll in the Advocacy Academy

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As the parent or guardian of a child with a learning disability or other type of disability, you are your child's first and most important advocate. Whether you are a veteran parent advocate or new to special education, in this course you will learn the basics you need to know to advocate effectively for your child in public schools. You'll learn:
  • What is a Disability Advocate?
  • Reasons Disability Advocacy may be Needed
  • Advocacy Mistakes to Avoid
  • Choosing an Effective Advocate and Avoiding Problem Advocates
  • Your Rights as the Parent of a Child with a Disability
  • Effective Advocacy Strategies
  • Disability Advocacy in College
  • Review, Wrap up, and How to use Your Advocacy Skills

5. Build Your Child's Self-Esteem - Resolve to Help

As parents of children with learning disabilities, we sometimes focus so much on academic achievement, there is little time to spend on self-esteem building activities. Holidays are a great time to work on social skills, making friends, developing a positive self-concept, and creating a family identity, all important foundations for self-esteem. Check out these easy and fun activities to help your child develop a healthy sense of self-esteem.

6. Strengthen Family self-Esteem, Relationships, and Identity

Building Self-Esteem - Self-esteem is important for all children, especially those with learning disabilities. Students with SLDs typically struggle with school and can benefit from a healthy sense of identity with their families. Setting personal goals and developing an awareness of family values are good ways to begin helping your child develop self-confidence. These strategies can get you started!

7. Learn More about Parent Rights

Parents of children with disabilities have specific rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Learning more about your parent rights will help you advocate more effectively for your child.

8. Prepare Your LD Teen for College with a Learning Disability

Discover strategies to help learning disabled students become successful in higher education. Learn about college level programs for students with learning disabilities. Find ways to prepare for educational programs after high school.

9. Learn about Learning Disabilities in Your Senior Loved Ones

If you or a loved one are facing learning disabilities after retirement, learn more about common concerns older adults with LDs may experience later in life. Learning disabled adults face challenges after retirement and throughout their senior years, but they also have unique strengths that can be an advantage. Learn about how learning disabilities may affect aging adults.

10. Resolve to Deal with your LDs More Effectively in the Workplace

Learning disabled adults face challenges in the workplace, but they also have unique strengths that can be an advantage. Learn about how learning disabilities affect them.

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