Dear Dr. Laura,
I listened to your comments about focusing on your children's effort and hard work, instead of scores or grades. I couldn't agree more.
My son has a severe learning disability. His short term memory, processing speed and perceptual reasoning are all in the very low functioning range... We finally got him in a special program where the teachers understand how his brain works and challenge him...AND A LOT of effort, he is able to do some grade level work.
I know that his skills are not academic, but he has is very empathetic, and extremely spiritual for a small child. And most of all, he NEVER EVER gives up. He puts in 110 percent into everything he does, with a good attitude. So when he brings home a 1 out of 4 math, we celebrate the effort that he put into it. He sees other kids with better marks; I tell him..."You will get far because of your effort and attitude."
"You aren't mad because I only got 1 out of 4, Mom?"
"Son, did you try you best?"
"Yes, Mom. I did my best. It was difficult"
"Son, did you have a good attitude or get frustrated?"
"I stayed positive."
"Then that is all I ask."
His 1 out of 4 means so much more because it's so difficult for him than a kid who has 4 out of 4. It's his effort, and all the hard work that we put in every day to get him there. I don't know if he will ever completely catch up, but he will make it in this world with his personality, his 'can do' attitude and hard work. It is a lot of work, but I know I was put on this earth to raise this special little boy.
Jill
