Parenting a child with a learning difference comes with a lot to track: records, meetings, appointments, and activities, all on top of work and family. Our faculty have worked alongside families like yours for years, and we have seen what helps. Here are four tips for a calmer, more productive year.
Start with a Plan
When you are just trying to stay afloat, productivity can feel out of reach. A simple plan with goals you can actually meet gives you back some control and helps you decide what matters most.
Keep Your Child's Records in Order
Every parent handles paperwork. Parents of children with learning differences handle much more of it. Good records help you advocate for your child, know their rights, track their progress, and find the right resources.
School Records Worth Keeping
- Report cards
- Standardized test results and assessments
- Awards and recognition
- Attendance and health records
- Behavior reports
- Emails and letters with teachers, counselors, and administrators
IEP and Evaluation Records
- The current IEP and its progress reports
- Notes from IEP meetings and conversations with the team
- A contact list for the IEP team, teachers, doctors, and counselors
- Copies of any evaluations done outside school
Choose a System You'll Actually Use
Pick the system you will keep up with, not the one that sounds best.
A binder suits parents who like paper. Use a hole punch or sheet protectors, and print important emails to file.
An online system keeps everything in one place, is easy to search and is always on your phone. The catch is scanning paper documents, so be honest about whether you will.
A document box is the simplest option. Keep one box for important papers in an easy-to-reach spot, with the newest on top. Finding something may take a minute, but nothing gets lost.
Whatever you choose, keep everything together. Organize by date, by name, or with tags, and think about where you will look for something later.
1. Meet with Your Child's Teachers
Midyear is a good time to check in. Review what is working and what isn't. Set an agenda, write your questions down ahead of time, and bring the IEP to talk through progress.
2. Find the Right Sport
Athletics matter for children with learning differences. Sports burn off energy, build friendships, and teach teamwork. For a child who struggles to focus, a fast-moving sport like soccer or hockey may be a better fit than one with lots of waiting. Time on the field can be a welcome break from classroom frustration, and success there builds confidence. When you look at schools, ask about their athletic program.
3. Keep Learning and Stay in Touch
Our understanding of learning differences keeps growing. Read, attend talks, talk with other parents, and follow trusted experts. Learning about your child's learning difference, building a support network, and staying in close contact with teachers and counselors are the best ways to support your child.
4. Ask for Help
Caring and advocating for your child is tiring. Put on your own oxygen mask first. When friends and family offer to help, say yes, and tell them exactly what you need. Then take a walk, spend an afternoon with a book, or get away for a weekend.
How Gow Can Help
At Gow, we see every child as an individual. Our teaching is designed to rebuild language skills while drawing on each student's strengths and interests, so no one feels singled out. Athletics are part of every student's day, with sports for every level, coached by people who understand learning differences.
Talk with Us About Your Child
Our admissions team is glad to listen and answer your questions: 716.687.2001 or [email protected].