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Dealing with A Slow Learning Child - Challenges and Tips to Help
Most people think that if their child is a slow learner, it makes him incompetent, or he is not trying hard enough. Neither is true! One of the hardest things for parents to accept is that their child is a slow learner. When dealing with a child who struggles to learn, you can take steps to help make his life easier. Before doing that though, it is essential to learn who a slow learning child is.
Who is a Slow Learning Child?
A slow learning child is a child that hits his developmental markers at a much slower rate than compared to his peers. It is commonly misunderstood that these children fail at learning or are merely ‘dumb’. The truth is that every child has his own pace to learn and develop. Some children naturally learn much faster, and others are known to take their time to learn the same concepts and lessons.
What Are The Characteristics of A Slow Learning Child?
A slow learning child is one that struggles to hit basic developmental milestones that can broadly be categorised into four groups – developmental, social, personal or educational. Here are a few symptoms of slow learning child:
Developmental: The characteristics of a child with developmental learning disorders include poor memory and a delay in speech and language developmental patterns. This means your child could take longer to start speaking than others or may need more prolonged and repetitive lessons to learn most concepts.
Social: A child who has social learning disabilities is usually known to relate to children younger to him more often and avoid interacting with peers. Such children are also prone to behaviour that is associated with children younger than their age. These children are often just labelled as introverts due to the inability to connect with their peers leading them to be quieter or more reserved.
Personal: Children with personal learning problems seem to have less control over their emotions. They tend to fall back to anger quickly, get frustrated faster than most, express emotions like anxiety for seemingly minor issues or get depressed over setbacks. These children are most likely to have significant problems with self-esteem, confidence and are prone to acts of aggression or emotional instability.
Educational: Children with learning or educational disabilities take longer to process and understand the information provided to them. These children may be proficient in intellectual knowledge, but it takes them longer to understand & grasp the concepts.
What Causes Slow Learning in Kids?
Most parents may wonder why some children are slow learners. The truth is that there is no clear answer. Yet, there are a few underlying reasons that can be the main causes but these causes may not be specific to your child.
Trauma – Your child could have gone through a trauma in the past which is causing a delay in his development. It is now widely accepted that trauma of any nature - be it physical, psychological or emotional - can have the same impact on children.
Premature Birth – One of the reasons for problems while learning is the premature birth. This can also be the reason behind your child having a slower rate of brain development.
Medical – Another common cause for learning issues could be medical - diseases of the brain or nervous system can cause problems for children to hit learning milestones. These are often treatable, but when not treatable, they are manageable.
Pampering – The most common cause for learning delays is the over-pampering nature of parents. At times, the learning process requires action and failure. A lot of children who are pampered are known to have the problems solved for them, which is why they never learn or adapt.
Challenges of A Slow Learning Child
A child who is diagnosed as a slow learner can face many challenges in his lifetime. He may struggle to keep up with his peers, find it difficult to stay motivated while learning, go through many bouts of depression or anxiety or struggle to communicate and build connections with people. To understand the possible challenges that your child may face as a slow learner, talk to a child learning and developmental specialist.
How to Help and Handle A Slow Learner?
There are numerous ways to help a child who is a slow learner. Here are a few methods that are known to help slow learners:
Praise
Motivation is one of the most essential requirements for children who are slow learners. To help them continue learning and to keep them motivated, it is important to praise them when they get a concept or technique correctly. Even the smallest victory should be acknowleged and praised.
Rewards
As with any child, a slow learning child will be motivated to stay the course and learn as much as possible if there is a reward at the end of it. Try setting rewards for milestones to keep your child motivated and to help him focus on the task at hand.
Smaller Targets
When working with a child who is a slow learner, it is important to set small targets that are achievable and within reach. As a parent, it is your responsibilty to understand what is achievable for your child.
Failure Isn’t Bad
Make sure you reinforce the notion that failure isn’t a bad thing. Be realistic with teachers and other caregivers as well as with yourself that your child will fail more often than other children. When he does, do not berate him. Instead, encourage him to try again.
Be Open with Caregivers
Be it a teacher, your partner, parents, the babysitter or any other caregiver, be open about your child’s struggle. Let them know the situation and educate them about how to handle the situation with your child as a slow learner.
Be Patient
Do not compare your child to other children. This will only de-motivate you as well as your child. Stay patient when working with him and be sure that he will hit the milestones in front of him, even if it is at a much slower rate. Make sure you do not lose you patience and scream at him, as this will only demotivate him.
Keep Space for Aids
Whether it be post-it notes, reminders on calendars or calculators, keep room for visual and auditory aids when working with your child. These aids can be beneficial at a sub-conscious level. Find aids that can be used passively so your child continues to learn.
Be Supportive
Being vocally supportive is essential when dealing with slow learners. Encourage your child to keep at it until he succeeds. Just knowing you believe in your child will keep him motivated to keep learning and trying.
FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions about slow learning children.
1. How are Slow Learners Different from Those who have Learning Disability?
A learning disability is a physiological condition that prevents the child from learning in the same way as others. They can still learn at the same pace as their peers if they are taught in a different manner that works around the condition. For instance, Dyslexic children can learn as fast as any other child if they are read to instead of being made to read.
Slow learners have problems keeping up with their peers due to the inability to grasp a concept or understand what is taught to them. Slow learners have developmental issues whereas, children with learning disabilities do not.
2. Is Slow Learning and ADHD The Same?
ADHD is an issue that is focused on attention retention. Slow learners struggle to hit learning milestones due to the inability to grasp information quickly.
3. Does Slow Learning Mean My Child has Autism?
No. Autism is a condition where the child does not identify with social interactions and norms. Slow learning may be a symptom of it, but not all slow learners have autism.
It is essential to remember that a child should never be self-diagnosed as a slow learner. If you think your child may have trouble learning, contact your doctors and have him tested to be sure of his condition.
Also Read: How to Deal with Highly Sensitive Child Read more
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Postpartum Psychosis
Being a mother is one of the best experiences for a woman, one that fills her up with a sense of utter happiness. The joy of becoming a mother was the same for a new mother, Michelle Parker (name changed) till she started experiencing panic attacks. She started having hallucinations, along with sleepless nights and scary visions, soon after the birth of her son. Her condition worsened to the level that she was cutting herself a couple of times and suspecting her husband to be a serial killer.
Michelle was taken to the doctor and was finally diagnosed with postpartum psychosis.
What Is Postpartum Psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is also known as puerperal psychosis or postnatal onset bipolar disorder. It is a mental illness affecting young mothers right after childbirth. It is a rare condition, but it is a severe mental illness in which the mother experiences great difficulty in responding emotionally to the newborn baby. This condition can begin suddenly after the childbirth and can be a frightening experience for family and friends. Even though it is a rare mental illness, there are several women around the world who are suffering from postpartum psychosis.
When Does Postpartum Psychosis Happen And Who Is More Prone To Get It?
Postpartum psychosis can happen to any woman, out of the blue, after giving birth. Many women experience mood swings that last for a couple of days. This condition is called ‘baby blues’. It is normal and is very different from postpartum psychosis. According to a report published in January 2014 in Psychiatric Times, 1 to 2 of every 1000 new mothers can have postpartum psychosis.
Causes Of Postnatal Psychosis?
There are no proven definite reasons or causes for postpartum psychosis. Some of the possible postpartum psychosis risk factors could be abrupt changes in hormones after pregnancy. This is because of hormones as the body experiences dramatic changes during pregnancy. Other researchers suggest that becoming mothers at an older age also increases the risk of postnatal psychosis. Expecting mother previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder should seek the help of a specialist while pregnant as their chances of suffering from postpartum psychosis is higher by 25 to 50%. While, at times, genetic factors are responsible for this condition, it is important to note that half of the cases happen to women who do not have any previous or family history of psychiatric illness. Postpartum psychosis has been seen more in cases where the patient’s close relative like sister or mother has also had a similar complaint. For some first time mothers, psychosis can occur after a traumatic birth. The mothers who had postpartum after their first delivery are more likely to experience the same problem after subsequent babies as well.
Most Common Symptoms Of Puerperal Psychosis
Puerperal psychosis is a mental illness and can be potentially dangerous for the mother and the baby. It is necessary for family and friends to observe the symptoms of postpartum psychosis and consult the specialist at the slightest hint of a disorder.
Here are some of the symptoms to recognize postpartum psychosis:
There is a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It can be extreme to the point of making the mother feel anxious all the time. The woman is disappointed or unsatisfied with how she manages chores as a mother.
There is a nagging feeling of sadness and emptiness. The mother feels the need to cry all the time without any reason.
One cannot understand what is happening around and is always feeling confused and scared.
The mother does not feel that she shares a bond with the baby.
Some may exhibit hallucinations and delusion along with being in a depressed state.
There are other typical symptoms that include sleeplessness, euphoria, tearfulness, irritability and violence.
Insomnia; not feeling the need to sleep.
Sudden thoughts of harming the baby.
Lack of emotional response towards the baby or anybody.
Thoughts of suicide and feeling that the baby will be better without the mother.
Odd behaviour towards everyone, one that is clearly not normal.
A sudden change in mood and losing touch with reality.
How Is Postnatal Psychosis Treated?
Family and spouse play a very important role in helping the ailing mother. The woman with postnatal psychosis should be immediately taken to the specialist. Severe symptoms require anti-psychotic drugs or mood stabilizers to be given to the patient under the supervision of the doctor. The patient must be hospitalized for complete supervised care. In this case, the baby and mother should be put together so that the mother is with the child while she is getting treated. But in some extreme conditions, breastfeeding is not recommended for the safety of the baby. Women with postpartum psychosis also need to bond with the baby while they are being treated. Constant communication with psychiatric doctors and taking proper medication will help the mother to recover from this condition and lead a healthy and normal life.
Difference between Postpartum Psychosis and Postnatal Depression
Postpartum psychosis is a severe illness whereas postnatal depression or 'baby blues' refers to mild mood swings that many women experience. Baby blues affect over half of new mothers and usually start after 3 to 4 days of childbirth. The condition improves by the time the baby is 10 days old and does not require treatment. The symptoms are mild as compared to postpartum psychosis. The mother may display mood swings such as bursting into tears easily, over-react at times or be sensitive. This condition heals on its own after a few days, but postpartum psychosis requires medical attention. The family of the affected mother needs to be attentive to identify the disorder and call for medical help.
How Can Puerperal Psychosis Be Prevented?
Yes, postpartum psychosis can be prevented. A meeting with a prenatal psychiatrist can be fixed at around 32 weeks of pregnancy to assess the chances of affliction and its symptoms. There are serious consequences of not taking immediate steps for this condition. If you notice the above mentioned or any other symptoms that you feel is not normal, it is best to seek medical advice for the same. The management of postpartum psychosis is possible, and so, it is important to take the right steps at the right time.
It's a rare problem and doesn’t affect all mothers. However, family members need to be vigilant as early detection can help in preventing the psychosis from aggravating.
Also read: Mood Swings While Pregnant Read more
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Motherhood - The Best Gift of the Love of Life
We all love gifts, don’t we?A gushing happiness duly follows a glitzy carton sealed with flowers and bows, and laced with a lot of love. Every time a gift is showed towards us, an instant curiosity springs from deep down the heart. Awaiting the perfect moment to unwrap it and unfold the surprise is both a thrill and bliss in varying measures. Isn’t it?The joy of cutting open the glossy cover is abundance.The painstaking effort in taking utmost care in un-wrapping the gift is worthwhile. Then, comes the moment!The first sight of it is captured in our memory for many moments! Do you remember your best gift?I see a sparkle lightening your eyes, as you fondly think about your “best gift”. Sometimes it is a jewel or a gem, attire or a sapphire, a cheque or a makeover cosmetic....Some other times, it is just a smile that lifts our spirits, a second spent for ‘just us’, a shoulder to cry out our grief, a touch that says ‘all is well’.... such gifts don’t come in wraps or boxes. They are visible and are available only to a loving heart; invaluable gifts straight from the hearts of heaven.One such gift was showered on me, too! It was the twilight of the day, when the world goes to rest, the birds fly to their nests, the sun moves to the west; it was that time that my world dawns with a slight streak of shine. Years ago, it was!The gift did not come in a package, in spite of the saying that “good things come in small packages.”As I lay on the cot, facing the dull dooms and the weird white walls of the huge hospital building, anxiety and expectation taking turns in enveloping me; my family on the other side of the wall as anxious as I was, came the gift, the best ever!A baby girl!My precious gift! Every mother feels the same. I also do.A child is god’s own gift to every parent. I feel it, I believe in it and I value it. As I take a trip down memory lane, I very vividly remember the scene, precisely every second of it. Exactly at 17.17 pm, I was blessed with the most beautiful gem of my life. I saw the tiny twinkle in a palm; she was silent and still like the deep, calm waters of the ocean. For no reason, my mind remembered the read lines from somewhere - if an infant does not respond to the new environment, something is amiss. A tight knot held my heart, I was speechless. Helplessly, I looked at the lady who held my gift; she too was waiting to sense the signs of life. A stinging pain passed through every strand of my nerve; worry writ all over, I looked at the tiny tot laying motion less in the wide palm of the physician. Time seemed still. The physician’s deft hands worked on her with brisk movements. She turned her upside down, tilted. I witnessed it without any emotion or rather drained emotions, a few moments slipped by.Then, there, I heard a “wheelllllll”, the cries of a new born and the joys of heaven. Relief flooded me. Happiness lightened me. I thanked all my lucky stars, for this moment, the momentous moment. Smiles on all the lips!Since the day till now, Every morning, I vow, to love her with all my heart, to raise her with all my capacity and above all to protect her all my life.I give my happiness, my years, my day and my nights, and literally my life for my little princess. All my life revolves around this adorable angel. She is 10 years now. Time slips through the fingers, isn’t it?As I look behind, I see the days I shielded her from the strings of rain, the rays of the sun, from the breeze and the freezing weather, from the bad and the rude, from the pains of sickness, from the fear of failure, from the dark, dull bouts of boredom, from the emptiness of the night and the noise of the day, from foul minds and foul mouths. I guard her under the loving captivity of my wings all these years. I will for all my life. The fear of loss has impelled me to shield her in all situations.Yet, I feel empty, life less, inadequate, lacking and my life meaningless. I could not ascertain the cause. As she rides, I run to stop her from falling and to avoid a skid. As she wheels on her skates, I wait with a heavy heart until she comes home safe. If she climbs a structure, I fear a fall; when she runs in excitement, I am terrified of her tripping down; when she Jumps into the pool, I panic a freak accident.Yes, I did protect her, all these years, this feeling over whelming and over powering others’. Safe guarding my child was ingrained in all my moves. Suddenly, out of nowhere a thought pierced my heart. I shuddered. I shivered as reality struck me hard. Sweating profusely, I let the thought seep in.All my life now, I have guarded her from every mishap. True, to the word. However, I have failed to foster a bond with her. I didn’t enjoy her growing years, I lost the delight in her feats, and I missed many a loving smile in my fears. Hardly have I revelled in the charm of cycling, the fun in the run, the delight in climbing heights, the small joys in splashing waters, the sport in the sliding skates, and certainly the wonders of water games or her cooking spree near the fire or any daring act with my sweet heart. It was fear that mercilessly gulped the simple yet invaluable joys in its wide, insatiable, gaping mouth. It’s already been many years now, I barely dwelt in the pleasures of upbringing. Tears welled and clouded my eyes; streamed down my cheeks as I stumbled upon reality and could not fathom the loss that I had run into. Can the past be revived; can I relive the past? If only.The pains of my loss loomed large. It lingered, hurting every living moment. Life, actually every living moment seems like an unbearable trip towards nowhere, I let the pain drain in my tears. The replay of the dead past persistently played with my emotions. After many moments of mourning the loss of life,I took a deep breath, cleared my voice, wiped my eyes and nose, and gave a long thought about the mess I was in. I saw a spark at the horizon. I slowly stepped towards it, sped and ran as I chased it with all my might. The path slowly brightened. Truth sank in. Smile and clarity resurfaced in its true, uncompromised form. Another present I received. It’s the present. I may have lost the past, but the present is the best present. I sure have a lot of life left. And now, I am determined to live that to the fullest with my priceless gift. Another oath in the offing – This time I resolve to love her all my life, treasure and foster her with all facility, Nevertheless bond and enjoy all the little pieces of life besides sharing a lasting, loving and memorable journey with the best gift of my life. Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. can we get all item in one parcel which I orderd
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. This is a place which is associated with parenting if you have any questions associated with parenting I can help you with that but if you have any associated with your orders kindly check with the concerned department that they can give clarity about these things
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
47 mins ago
A. I cannot assist you on that because other things are also associated with the particular particular report so I think it’s better that once a gynaecologist is available she’s going to take up your query and she will be able to give you a better clarity as per the situation
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
58 mins ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
51 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please do not take any medicine without consulting with your gynaecologist. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
54 mins ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
42 mins ago
A. Actually on the ovulation time only you can conceive so yes if things are right with you you can go ahead with the conception but with what the details you have mentioned it would be better to have a discussion with your gynaecologist prior to you proceed to your ovulation and conception
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