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| Learning Disabilities and Self-Esteem |
 The Role of Others' Expectations in Self-Esteem
Unfortunately, individuals with LD are commonly confronted with low expectations from others. Often they are the target of spoken and unspoken messages of disappointment from peers, parents, supervisors, etc, though not intentionally. Others' low expectations may impacted on the expectations individuals with LD have of themselves, thereby serving to erode self-esteem. Strategies for building self-esteem in individuals with LD
There are several tips offered to parents to help children and adolescents develop the strength and skills they need to cope successfully with the problems they face. They are:
– Be empathetic. Try to see the world through your children's eyes.
– Be respectful while communicating. Don't interrupt or put them down; reply their questions.
– Give undivided attention. If you spend one-on-one time with your children they feel your love.
– Accept and love children for who they are. This will help them to feel more secure in reaching out to others and learning how to decide problems.
– Give children a chance to contribute. This will show your faith in their abilities and gives them a sense of responsibility.
– Accept your children’s mistakes as learning experiences. Children whose parents overreact to mistakes tend to avoid taking risks, then end up blaming others for their problems.
– Emphasize their strengths. A sense of achievement and pride give children the confidence to persevere when they face problems.
– Let them decide problems and make decisions. Avoid telling children what to do; encourage them to come up with solutions to problems.
– Discipline to teach. Do not discipline in a way that intimidates or humiliates your child.
The Bottom Line
Throughout one's life, self-esteem and confidence are crucial and often hard-hitting elements for happiness and success. Individuals with LD are especially defenseless against attacks on their feelings of self-worth; but with help and support, they can build the self-esteem it takes to achieve future success in any arena.
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