| Learning disabled children are becoming more and | | | | time because of this fear. This parental avoidance at a |
| more identified and as a result, need assistance. They | | | | child's early age is detrimental. This lack of parental |
| are represented by all ages, grade levels and within all | | | | control, discipline, or whatever you choose to call it only |
| groups of people. Some are identified as learning | | | | leads to much more complicated disciplinary issues |
| disabled and as a result are receiving the appropriate | | | | later in a child's development. |
| assistance and some are not meaning they are pretty | | | | If the parent does not establish the rules, the structure |
| much surviving or not surviving on their own. | | | | and who is in control before adolescence, trying to do |
| Unfortunately, what frequently comes along with these | | | | so during adolescence will prove to be quite frustrating |
| learning disabled children, especially those not getting | | | | and difficult for all involved. Compound this with the |
| any assistance, are behavior problems. These | | | | ongoing learning challenges that come along with |
| behaviors include many different characteristics but | | | | learning disabilities and you have an extremely difficult |
| one in particular is the acting out child. | | | | situation. |
| This particular child may be extremely frustrated | | | | Children need to understand at an early age exactly |
| because of many different reasons but one may be | | | | who is in charge. This should be done with consistency, |
| the inability to understand what is happening within him | | | | firmness and with a good dose of love. A parent in |
| or herself. Due to this lack of understanding and | | | | control of the situation provides boundaries for a child. |
| frustration comes the acting out and aggressive | | | | All children need a strong sense of direction and clear |
| behaviors. | | | | expectations. A parent in control provides a stability all |
| This is the point at which something definitely needs to | | | | children need. Not only is it a need, but a want. Even |
| be done. These behaviors need to be addressed at | | | | though they may not be able to express themselves |
| home as well as at school but firstly, at home. It begins | | | | appropriately, children need and want boundaries, |
| with the parents or guardians. | | | | structure and a good sense of direction. |
| However, with all due respect to the caregivers, many | | | | A consistent, loving, protective environment can be one |
| don't know how to address difficult behaviors. Many | | | | that includes appropriate discipline. Establishing these |
| find the aggressive behaviors intimidating and | | | | basics will help with the additional challenges of the |
| frightening. | | | | learning disabilities. For many reasons many parents |
| I have learned through my many years that many | | | | don't or are afraid to exercise behavioral restraints. |
| caregivers simply do not want to confront their | | | | Confrontation can be difficult, but appropriate structure |
| children. Some would rather pacify. Some choose to | | | | will pay off in dividends once your child reaches |
| laugh at or ignore their child's behavior. They may | | | | adolescence. Your little boy or girl will already know |
| choose to wait for more serious matters to occur | | | | what the limits are before he or she reaches the more |
| thinking that they then will assert their parenting skills | | | | challenging ages. |
| and take charge. | | | | Let me assure you this much, they will eventually |
| Unfortunately, many times this is much too late. Every | | | | reach the age of rebellion and if you already have a |
| incident that occurs that leaves the child in charge | | | | well established relationship and understanding, your |
| exasperates the situation. The challenge of regaining | | | | days and your child's days will be much more |
| control for the parent has now become just that much | | | | enjoyable. |
| more difficult to attain. | | | | With these foundations established, appropriate learning |
| Many parents and/or guardians flat out just fear | | | | can occur and as necessary, different learning |
| confrontation. They will avoid it at all lengths. They will | | | | strategies can be introduced. |
| justify not exercising proper control of their child every | | | | |