"Find Their Passion"
If you are a parent of a child that has a learning difference and is struggling to learn how to read and manage basic math skills chances are you have heard teachers, speech therapists, and counselors say to you "Find Their Passion" and you can teach your child anything. I know I have said this numerous times to parents. Well, it is easier said than done!

"Discover Who Your Child Is"
A parent knows their child best! Right? If you listen to their clues. You do know your child best! Offer opportunities for your child to experience extra-curricular activities and learning environments that fit their individual interest. This is our families story.

Follow up:

My youngest daughter is creative and passionate about design and style. As a toddler she was very determined on selecting what she wanted to wear when dressing each morning. A little frustrating to say the least when trying to move through the morning rush. Of course she was two and again determined. Even if we selected the outfit the night before by morning a new outfit was of interest. She also was very particular on where she wanted to purchase her clothes. A particular style interested her....not my style or that of her older sisters. When my youngest was a preschooler it was not uncommon for me to find clothes that she had outgrown or lost interest in, usually clothes I had purchased without her. She would re-style these clothes by re-creating them...cutting sleeves off, pants became shorts or skirts, shirts also went through a transformation from long sleeves, to short, crew necks became V necks or even a tube top. When she became an elementary student we encouraged her to participate in extra-curricular activities such as soccer, dance, volleyball....things her friends were doing...none of which she enjoyed past the friendships....to look back on those years one underlying theme emerged....she liked the "outfit" and the accessories but not the sport! When asked why she watched the soccer ball roll by her and why she did not run after the soccer ball she clearly stated, "I did not want to get my new shin guards dirty". No grass strains on her cleats! Her ponytail scrunchy was perfectly coordinated with the teams colors! She loved the friendships but not the game. She loved the schedule of activity but never really cared if they won or lost the game. Snacks and drinks were appreciated! Then, one day I needed to stop in at a local sewing shop to pick up fabric for a class project! (see where I am going with this) I am not privileged to know or have the interest in knowing how to sew. My daughter just so happened to be along for the ride..... and by a happy coincident we found her passion and where she fit in. A place where others enjoyed creating things from fabric. She wanted to learn how to sew! A week later we had purchased her first starter sewing machine. "How hard can this be?" I thought to myself...I certainly can read directions and help her learn to sew! WRONG! I needed to learn a new vocabulary... desperately asking "what is a bobbin" as I frantically rushed into a Wal-mart sewing shop to pick up something called a "bobbin" after we purchased her sewing machine and tried to get it up and running. I had no idea how to thread the needle... I needed help! And Fast! As my youngest daughter looked up at me...sure of herself...desperately saying "I can do this myself!" I was afraid that the needle would run through her little soft fingers. Understanding where my limitations are I found a tutor that was a master at sewing and a delightful teacher to work with my daughter. Well, the rest is history....reading, math, science, history, writing.... they all come to her with ease now... because we found her passion.... and used it to help her to excel in school.

"Figure it out"
You may have to help your child find their passion through trial and error. Let your child try new and different extra-curricular activities. The journey is part of the joy when once you find their interests.

"Think Outside the Box"
You don't have to be trapped in the standard traditional extra-curricular activities. If your child loves basketball or football that is great! But if your child does not like noise then maybe swimming is a better choice. Trail and Error! Try, try, try until you find what fits. Make it fun. Make it about the discovery and not the win.

"Recognize Success, Not Winning"
At the end of the day, it is the path that you have taken to learn what brings passion to your child's life that helps you recognize success! When your child can go to a place inwardly and find peace and happiness that is the win. Learning will not always be easy nor should it be. Working hard to learn new things keeps it interesting and along the way it helps the child develop great study skills, integrity, and he gains life long interests.

If you wish to talk to me about your child and how to incorporate learning into their interest feel free to call me: 214-282-6268 or email me janvb@creativetutors.com I am happy to brainstorm with you!