Parenting a Child with a Learning Difference

Isn’t that an interesting phrase- “Parenting a child with a learning difference?” Aren’t all students learning differently?  Don’t we all do things in our own unique ways? As a matter of fact, we do.  Just as each of us has our own unique DNA and our own unique fingerprints, it could be said that we each have our own individual learning preferences.  We all learn differently, but for some, it’s a greater struggle than so many of us can comprehend.

Let’s dive into my own personal experience as a classroom teacher to see how learning differences play out in a classroom. I can attest to how difficult it can be, at times, to teach to a room of children who each bring to the lesson their own unique learning styles and needs.  Several years ago I taught a class of 17 wonderful seven-year-olds.  In that classroom were four amazing children who spoke very little English.  Oh, how eager they were to soak up anything I could teach them. I remember another student so captivated by fear and rejection that he’d rather sit and talk with me, than run and play with his peers.  Or the child who could only engage once he had sufficient nutrition. And then there were two students who had learning differences that had to give so much more to their learning experience- more effort, more time, more work. Not only did the teacher and the student have to give more, but the parents also had to shoulder the responsibility of being more, doing more, and supporting more.  Parenting a child with a learning difference is quite a challenge but certainly a unique and special calling.

Know that you are not alone.  PCA decided many years ago that we would be a school that supported students with learning differences. We are here to walk this road with you and your child. And we are so blessed to know that God has promised to walk alongside us as well, sustaining us through the moments of challenge. Psalms 55:22 says that we are to cast our cares before the Lord. It is through His strength that we can continue fulfilling His calling and His mission of supporting our children with learning differences. 

It can, at times, seem unfair- to have to work harder for things that others seem to do so easily.  Why, when the Bible says we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made,” does the makeup of our children have to include differences and struggles in the classroom?  The answers we find should always lead us back to faith. Faith in an omnipotent and omniscient God. Faith in a God who created their brains uniquely for His glory.  Faith in their story of challenge and messiness, but ultimate belief in a God that created them for a specific purpose that only they can fulfill.  I dare say that the challenges our children with learning differences face will only make them stronger, braver, and more resilient.  And when they look into the mirror and ask the question “Why me?”  I hope that they have heard words of encouragement and hope from their parents, teachers, coaches, friends, and family.  Learning differences are a part of their story and ultimately a part of their Kingdom Purpose.  There is no unrighteousness in His purpose.  Romans 9:14-23 reminds us of that.  Learning differences do not define our children but instead, brings them to a fuller understanding of who God made them to be.  

Next month, we will dive into more specific talking points and ways to be intentional as you lead your children into that deeper understanding.