The journey to supporting a child with dyslexia takes time, years of it. But not all forms of time on the journey are equal in nature. It pays to know the difference.
Wasting time
… is still thinking it’s a pandemic thing.
… is hearing “wait and see” and waiting.
… is believing next year will be better with a new teacher, a new school, a new whatever.
… is repeating the same grade with the same instruction that didn’t work the first time. (Seriously, consider not doing this.)
… is hoping they’ll catch up eventually, not understanding what it takes or taking actionable steps that are more likely to make it a reality.
Time wasted
… looks like a child failing at school despite pouring immeasurable effort into each day.
… has advocated appropriately for support and hits a wall of misguided pushback.
… makes following up on paperwork essential, or has to sit back and wait weeks for non-compliance — whatever good the latter does. Questionable at best.
… talks like an expert and acts with ignorance.
Your time. Respect it. Protect it.
Time is, in part, beyond anyone’s control. However, time-wasted delays are inappropriate, so much so that they can be considered retaliation according to Wrightslaw’s Retaliation Triangle.
You are far from powerless when facing Father Time. You are not wasting one second in taking a moment to learn, to understand, to advocate, to support.
In fact, it’s an essential part of managing your energy and your child’s wellness on this long road.
Every positive step forward is time well spent, no matter how long it takes.