Based on this interaction with the parents I see a recurring theme. The
parents seem desperate to remember how they handled their academic
problems. I see the parents comparing their son or daughter to themselves.
Some parents will say, "Well I had the same difficulty so it is no surprise
or big deal." Other parents will be very concerned because neither
struggled academically and wonder why their child is different than them.
These comments suggest to me that their ideas about their child's style of
learning, learning disability or other special need are more personal than
counselors and teachers sometimes assume.
Perhaps a question about the parents' experience in school is needed to
fully understand their frame of reference. My sense is that when I deal
with parents with almost any issue, I am dealing with some ghosts from
their school days. Knowing their experience helps me understand many of
their concerns.
Kerri Johnson
johnsoncox@dtgnet.com
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