The torment of human frustration, whatever its immediate cause, is the knowledge that the self is in prison, its vital force and “mangled mind” leaking away in lonely, wasteful self-conflict. ~ Elizabeth Drew
Today’s letter is F, and the word is FRUSTRATION.
If you’ve been around children who are struggling with reading and learning, you’ll know that they often experience frustration, which can lead to a sense of hopelessness.
They may become frustrated with their own abilities, particularly if they feel like they are falling behind their peers.
And…
This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even anxiety or depression.
This frustration can manifest in behavioral issues such as acting out or avoiding schoolwork.
It’s important for you to understand that behavior is a symptom of a deeper problem…
So…
Search for the problem, provide support and resources that will build their confidence in their strong skills.
On the other hand…
Parents of children with learning differences often tell me –
- They feel overwhelmed and helpless and may also feel frustrated that they cannot simply fix the problem.
- They’re overwhelmed by the extra time, effort, and stress required to support their child, and the lack of progress despite their efforts makes them feel helpless.
- For most, frustration may also manifest when dealing with teachers and school systems that do not understand or provide adequate support for their child’s needs.
If you’re a parent who feels overwhelmed, helpless, and frustrated, you must recognize and address your own emotions before you can effectively support your child.
I invite you to join the Parenting Hub, where you can connect and network with parents who share similar challenges. And if you know someone with a child with learning differences, send them the link.
Great advice to parents to keep their emotions out of this
Yes, Kate, that crucial. Without doing that they jeopardize their ability to help their child.
That’s a very important point to take care of your emotions first when you are dealing with a frustrated child. I have a friend who feels very frustrated because she doesn’t understand how to help her child and yet the school keeps putting everything on her. A very difficult situation to be in.
So often parents don’t realize they must first lead themselves before they can effectively lead their children. Feel free to have your friend send me a DM on Facebook, so I can see how I can support her.