Best Way to Support your Child if she Doubt her Abilities

Find some subject or activity that stimulates her interest.

Reading may be difficult for her, but perhaps she has an excellent memory. She may have a complex grasp of stories; though find a series of steps in math problematic. Make sure she practices, and improves in, the things she is good at too.

•  Show your involvement and appreciation of what she can do in these areas.

Point out how much she is doing well. When a task comes easily to a child, she may not see how difficult it really is. ‘You remembered there were two uncles. I read you the story, and I’d forgotten that!” or “That was such a detailed description of your outing! I can imagine the bus ride perfectly.”

• Refer frequently to the areas in which her abilities lie. The best way of doing this is by showing your awareness of these abilities. “Matthew, do you remember the name of the street?” can be a reminder that he often does remember things others do not. Or “Sam, you’re so good at finding things, can you look for the swimming towels?”
•  Insist that she continue to make efforts in subjects or activities that are more difficult.

If you allow her to concentrate only on the subjects or activities that present her with no problems, then she may learn to avoid the frustration that any challenge involves or assume that you think she cannot succeed in other areas. To forego problematic areas simply because they are problematic prevents her from learning how to tolerate frustration and work through difficulties.