Question: Every so often, my son struggles a bit with his work in elementary school. Do you have any ideas about ways that I can help him work through a rough patch? -- Struggling
Answer: All children need support when they encounter difficulties. If a child has been struggling for quite a while in a specific subject, that is where your efforts need to be placed.
If a struggle is just a bump in the road, there are some simple ways you can support his struggles.
--Model how to struggle with a task, persevere and then succeed.
--Focus and reinforce your child's efforts rather than zero in on the final product.
--Be sure to celebrate improvement.
--Focus on your child's strengths while working on his weaknesses. Do all you can to focus his curiosity in areas in which he will have success.
--Be positive and supportive.