Helping Children Find Their Strengths

Newswise — A child's poor grades in school can be a sign of a deeper problem, such as a chronic illness, a divorce in the family or a learning disability, says UAB school counseling expert Larry Tyson, Ph.D. Poor self-esteem also can affect a child's school work. To identify the reasons behind a child's lack of motivation in school, consult your child's teacher and school counselor. Parents, however, should recognize that all children have academic strengths. "This doesn't mean parents should dismiss their child's academic weaknesses. Children who aren't industrious may have had bad educational experiences. But, recognition is more than placing A papers on the refrigerator. It means supporting those strengths by allowing the child to explore those areas more in depth."