When Your Child Learns Differently, You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone

Every child learns in their own unique way. Some children may need extra time, different strategies, additional support, or simply a teacher who understands how they learn best. As a parent, recognizing that your child may be struggling can bring a mix of questions, concerns, and uncertainty—especially when you’re not sure what to say or where to begin.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

As a New York State-certified Special Education and Nursery through 12th Grade educator, I know how important the partnership between parents and teachers can be. Open, respectful communication can help everyone better understand a child’s strengths, challenges, and individual learning needs.

In this article, I’m sharing practical tips to help parents feel more prepared and confident when talking with their child’s teacher about learning differences. I’ve also included helpful guidance from Understood.org, a valuable resource for parents and educators supporting children who learn and think differently.

Remember: asking questions is not being difficult, and advocating for your child is not being demanding. It is being an important part of your child’s educational team.

The goal isn’t to find someone to blame. It’s to build a partnership that helps your child feel understood, supported, and capable of succeeding.

How to talk to your child’s teacher
about learning differences and ADHD

Teachers can be a big source of support for struggling students and their families. Use this
discussion guide to help raise your concerns and talk about how you can work together.
What’s inside

1. General tips
2. If you don’t know why your child is struggling
3. If your child has a diagnosis
4. More resources
   General tips
   You may not be sure what to say about your child’s challenges, and that’s OK. Take a deep
   breath, and remember that the teacher is there to support your child. Here are some tips
   to help get ready for the conversation.
5. Make an appointment.
   You don’t have to wait until parent-teacher conferences to talk with your child’s teacher.
   But remember that teachers’ workdays are jam-packed. Ask to schedule a 15- to 20-minute
   appointment, either in person or by phone or videoconference. Be sure to thank the teacher
   for their time and support — gratitude can help build the relationship.
6. Prepare what you want to say.
   When you meet with the teacher, be clear and specific. Spend some time before the
   meeting to plan what you want to say and ask. Try writing your ideas down, recording
   voice notes, or practicing with a friend. Focus on these key areas ahead of time:

• Challenges you want to talk about
• Strengths or interests that can help your child complete tasks
• Responses you can use if the teacher says something you weren’t expecting or
  that heightens your emotions. For example, you can say, “Let me think about that and
  get back to you.”
  

Be open to working together.
A strong partnership with teachers can have a positive impact on your child.
Keep in mind that successful partnerships are built on mutual respect. If you’ve had
bad experiences at school, you might have trouble trusting that things will go well.
You can ask for the meeting to include a staff member you know well or a family member
or friend who can help you go into this conversation with an open mind.

Prepare yourself emotionally.
Talking about your child’s challenges can bring up strong emotions. It helps to practice
what you want to say in advance. During the conversation, you can take a deep breath
or refer to your notes if you need to pause and steady yourself.

Follow up after the meeting.
Send a thank-you email for taking the time to meet. Summarize what you talked
about and any next steps you agreed on. Make a plan for checking in again by
suggesting a date or timeframe. Talking regularly can help you build the relationship.
You don’t need to wait until there’s something specific to talk about.

If you don’t know why your child is struggling

Talking with your child’s teacher is a great first step in getting answers and finding the
right support. Planning ahead can help make the conversation go smoothly.
Ask for a time to talk
by phone, by email, or
in person.
“Hi. I’m the [parent or caregiver of X]. I’ve noticed my child is
having challenges with [reading, math, paying attention, etc.].
I’d like to set up a time to talk about it.”
Start by explaining
your purpose.
“Thanks for meeting with me. I’d like your help understanding
some challenges my child is having with….”
Share some details about
what you’ve noticed.
“This tends to happen [when, where, and how often].”
“I started noticing this [how long ago].”
Share strategies you’ve
tried at home.
“I’ve tried [which strategy], and that has helped [a little/a lot/
not at all].”
Ask for input. “Is this something you’ve noticed too?”
“Any strategies you use at school that might help at home?”
“Do you think I should talk to the school counselor about my
child’s challenges?”
Talk about next steps. “Thanks for your time. Let’s talk again after I’ve had a chance
to try some of your suggestions. What timeframe feels
reasonable for us to check in?”
After the meeting
Tips What you can say
Follow up with a
thank-you email.
“Thanks so much for your help. Can we check in after I’ve had
time to think about this and talk about what happens next?
How about we check in two weeks from now?”

Remember, You are not alone, and you can have a productive conversation with your child’s teacher.

Holiday Hero Max the Mockingbird (The Readers Huddle Collection)

Written by Brandee Huddleson

Illustrated by Courtney Huddleson

This is the second book in this series. Max, the Mockingbird, possesses a unique talent. He can imitate the sounds that he hears. In this adventure, Max lives in the city and its surrounding suburbs.

The book is written with speech bubbles and has a comic book feel because the illustrations are simple and large. Early readers can handle the easy-to-read text. Children learn that crime does not pay. Max follows two young would-be thieves as they search for an easy victim. Max’s unique talent serves as a deterrent to their plans.

Young readers receive a valuable message while enjoying a humorous tale.

An enjoyable, fast read for any age.

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U-CUT: A Christmas Tree Story

Written by R.A. Becker

Illustrated by Michael Macakova

A book that celebrates a tradition that many families share: visiting a Christmas tree farm to find and cut the perfect Christmas tree.

One unusual Christmas tree has been passed over by visitors for many years, but when a boy and his family enter the farm this year, the ugly tree finally gets a chance to shine. This particular boy is attracted to the misshapen tree because he has also experienced gossip and mistreatment due to a scar on his face. When the boy spies the tree, he is immediately drawn to it. He convinces his family that this is the perfect tree for them. After bringing it home and decorating it, the ugly tree becomes a thing of beauty.

This book is perfect for families and teaches children that beauty comes from the goodness within, not physical, outward appearances.

An appropriate choice for children of any age.

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Back-to-school season is exciting—but it can also put a serious dent in your budget. Whether you’re sending a child to kindergarten, high school, or college, the costs of clothing, supplies, electronics, and other essentials can add up quickly.

The good news? With a little planning, you can save money without sacrificing quality. Here are a few smart strategies to help stretch your back-to-school dollars.

Take Inventory First

Before heading to the store, check what you already have at home. You may discover unused notebooks, pencils, folders, backpacks, or art supplies tucked away in a closet. Creating an inventory helps you avoid buying duplicates and makes it easier to create a shopping list based on what you truly need.

Watch for Sales and Coupons

Many retailers offer excellent back-to-school discounts during the summer. Compare prices, browse weekly store ads, and look for digital coupons or cashback offers before making your purchases. A few minutes of planning can lead to significant savings.

Shop Online and Compare Prices

Online shopping makes it easy to compare prices across multiple retailers. Be sure to check shipping costs, read customer reviews, and watch for free-shipping promotions. Don’t overlook gently used or refurbished items—especially for electronics, calculators, and textbooks.

Buy in Bulk

Frequently used school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, tissues, and glue sticks are often less expensive when purchased in larger quantities. If you don’t need a full package, consider splitting the cost with another family or stocking up for later in the school year.

Stick to Your List

Impulse purchases are one of the quickest ways to exceed your budget. Before you shop, create a list of necessities—and do your best to stick to it. Staying focused on your list helps keep spending under control.

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little preparation and smart shopping, you can send your student back to school with everything they need—while keeping your budget on track.

Skelly the GIANT Skeleton: A Hilarious Modern Day Halloween Book Parody Tribute to the GIANT Halloween Community!

Written by Hailee Oman

Illustrated by William Velasco

The illustrations in this book are creative and original. Rhymes hit the mark.

The author uses parody to illustrate the limits some people will go to in celebrating and decorating holidays like Halloween. Skelly is the physical manifestation of overindulgence.

Children and adults will laugh at the ridiculous scenario. The book is appropriate for all ages.

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I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows 

Written by Heather Lyn Davis

Illustrated by Roberta Malasomma

A delightful picture book or early reader. It emphasizes the values of hard work and anticipating when things do not go according to plan.

The simple plot involves an elderly farmer who needs help managing his farm. Only one applicant applies. Jim is a seventeen-year-old who is willing to work hard. His statement, “I can sleep when the wind blows,” baffles the farmer.

One night during a storm, the meaning becomes clear.

Recommended for early primary readers as an inspiration to work hard and be prepared.

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A CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS

Signs Your Child May Be a Natural Leader

Observing natural leadership qualities in children early can help parents, teachers, and caregivers encourage and develop those important life skills.

If you want to identify and support your child’s leadership qualities, here are some signs to consider:

Talkative

Does it sometimes drive you crazy that your child talks so much? Actually, being talkative may be a sign of things to come. A chatty nature indicates a child with excellent verbal skills, which are important for good leaders. Did your child talk early and proficiently? This may be a sign that he or she will be a good leader.

Treats Others with Respect

If you notice that your child seems to end up in responsible positions – team captain, for instance – and you know he didn’t get that position because of “muscling” his way to the top or bullying others, then this may be a sign of leadership ability. Notice if your child seems to have others “gravitate” toward her and wish to emulate her. Take note as to whether or not this is due to respectful treatment. If it is, you may have a strong leader on your hands.

Sees Both Sides

Some kids exhibit an ability to understand both sides of an issue, rather than being overly committed to one point of view. These children often act as peacekeepers who help their peers find an agreeable middle ground.

In the Know

Does your child always know what’s going on? Is he or she always aware of the latest happening at school or in the family? This is not the same as being a gossip (that’s not a good leadership quality), but it does mean that he or she is paying attention and interested in what’s going on with others.

Inquisitive

A good leader is not afraid to ask questions, but he/she is not afraid to go looking for answers on his own, either. Too much questioning may indicate self-doubt – your child is always trying to make sure about things – but healthy questions that spring from a true desire to know more about something may be a sign of leadership ability.

Mimi and Nanny

Written by Deniese Dennis

Illustrated by Tian

An excellent book for parents introducing a nanny to the family.

In this tale, Mimi and her sister react differently to the information that a nanny will soon become a part of their busy family. Mimi does not want someone who is not their mommy living and working within the family. She quickly learns that a nanny is not trying to replace her mother. This nanny can bring a new dimension of fun and open up new horizons.

I would especially recommend the book to parents of preschoolers who do not understand the role of a nanny with the family. This book is fun to read and uses humor to get the message across clearly.

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I Can Try Again: An Inspiring Story for Kids About Perseverance, Grit, and Learning From Mistakes for Ages 4–8 (I Can Books Book 6)

Written and illustrated by Alicia Ortego

Another picture book in this charming series about Mia and life lessons.

The lesson in this book for early elementary readers is that perseverance pays off. Once again, Mia has her mother’s support. Mia realizes that we can learn from our mistakes and use them as stepping stones, practicing in small steps until the goal of mastery is achieved. Whether the goal is learning how to jump rope or mastering the sequence of steps in a dance, Mia discovers the importance of patience and perseverance. She comes to understand the true value of resilience.

This book also contains interactive activities and thoughtful questions that encourage readers to apply the valuable lessons Mia shares in their own lives.

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The Wonderful Animals of the Boise River (Into Justin’s World Book 2)

Written by Heather Lyn Davis

Illustrated by Corryn Webb

This book is interactive. From the outset, children learn that they will find and identify many animals that inhabit the Boise River.

Each picture layout features a color and a black-and-white illustration. Readers are encouraged to color the black-and-white illustration. For each animal, children gain a wealth of information. At the end of the book, readers have the opportunity to illustrate their favorite animal.

The book is a good choice for studying local geography and animal life. It is highly recommended for curious upper elementary students.

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