He is the Potter

This month we will discuss various talking points and suggestions for supporting your children as they begin to realize and accept their own unique learning differences.  First, let’s be reminded that our Heavenly Father works as a potter preparing the clay and forming us as He chooses. (Isaiah 64:8)  Knowing that we are the work of His hand, we are able to encourage our children to embrace their uniqueness as perfectly made by our Father.  I once heard a dad of a child with a disability say, “My child was made perfect for His purpose.”  Notice the emphasis on His purpose.  It is not the purpose that we assign ourselves for which we are made.  It is the purpose of our Creator for which we live, move, and have our being.  As believers, we can be encouraged knowing that the Potter has a purpose for each of us and makes us with that purpose in mind.  As you discuss a learning difference with your child or encourage your child through a moment of difficulty, remind them that their Kingdom purpose is their ultimate calling.  God made them with uniqueness for that purpose.  If it is a part of our story, then there is a purpose for it.  

Here are a few other talking points and considerations when discussing learning differences with your child:

• “Everyone learns differently.  This is your unique learning style.”
• “Your challenges do not define you.”
• “Being wired differently doesn’t mean that you cannot succeed.  There are many successful people with learning differences.”
• Put an authentic focus on strengths and talents, and give your child time to participate in those things.  If all of your child’s extra time is spent in therapies and tutoring, it will be hard to convince your child that they are anything but different.
• Give your child time and space to talk about their struggle.
• Acknowledge your child’s efforts instead of the outcome, and help your child to focus attention there as well.

As in all things that we do as parents, commit to praying over your child’s learning differences. Commit to your child, that you will seek to support their learning needs and advocate for them as they continue on their journey.  Champion your child in their strengths and encourage them through their challenges.  But most importantly, remind your children often that our Heavenly Father has shaped their uniqueness and formed their lives for His Kingdom Purpose.