Self confidence

I am learning that self esteem is usually low in kids with Dyslexia. I suppose it is because they compare themselves to others in class, friends and siblings. Maybe they innately know they learn things differently or see the world in a different way. We always strive to give our daughter the confidence she needs to try new things and the courage to make mistakes. We applaud her efforts no matter the outcome. "Try your best" is our motto.

When succeeding we ask her if she is proud of herself. Since 2nd grade started I have heard heart wrenching comments like "I am dumb" "I am horrible at math" you don't love me because I can't learn this" no amount of reassurance has helped so I turned for other ideas/advice. These are a few things that I picked up.....

 One person suggested having a list handy of famous people who were also Dyslexic and talk about what they have accomplished..ie;  Albert Einstein, Agatha Christie, Tom Cruise, just to name a few. At Cindy's age she has little reference to most of these people but will be handy for later.

I got another suggestion from a website and tried it. It seemed to be successful at that moment.
She was frustrated with math and said "I can't do anything!" and threw her head down on the table.
I pulled out a small whiteboard and made a line across the top and one down the middle. I put "good at" on one side at the top and then wrote "harder" on the other.

I had her tell me things to write on the "I am good at" column. We listed everything from art to playing piano to getting herself dressed in the morning. Some were silly, some about school, some about everyday things.
Then she had to write on the other side what was harder for her. There were only 2 things listed...math and reading. She couldn't come up with any others. I was worried she might write more but that was it. Then we talked about it. Wow, did it make a difference. I haven't had to do it since but will use it again when needed.