Perfectly suited to children with DYS, psychoeducation refers to our ability to better understand our strengths and our particularities. With the right tools, this method can help strengthen self-esteem, which is needed to persevere in the face of obstacles and adopt a positive attitude. Whether or not they have a learning disorder, children can thus grow up feeling capable and valued.
Tool #1: The daily self-esteem journal
This is a small daily exercise that consists of completing 3 pre-written sentences, resolutely positive, to improve the child’s emotional well-being and self-esteem. For example, “Today, I managed to…”, “I was proud when…” or “Something I did for someone today…”. Over time, children with DYS become increasingly comfortable identifying the positives in their lives and their personal qualities.
Tool #2: Impostor syndrome
The psychoeducator can offer a worksheet setting out the characteristics of impostor syndrome: this is a common condition in which the child with DYS is exposed to a constant fear, that of not being good enough, even when the facts and the opinions of others don’t support this belief. The worksheet summarising the traits and consequences of this syndrome, with examples at work or in interpersonal relationships, can spark valuable discussions.
Tool #3: The 3 boundaries in relationships
There are three possible types of boundaries in relationships: porous, flexible or rigid. Varying from one person to another, they are shaped by our values and our culture. A person with porous boundaries gets close to others quickly, whereas a person with rigid boundaries keeps them at a distance. By setting flexible, healthy boundaries, the child with DYS learns to discerningly choose who to grow close to and who to keep at a distance: this boundary fosters quality, trusting relationships.
Tool #4: The self-esteem wheel
Every day, the child with DYS is invited to spin the self-esteem wheel: it has several segments designed to build up their self-image in a fun and enriching way. Through verbal or non-verbal actions, they can discover their strengths, such as their talent for drawing or for organising games with friends.
Tool #5: Fact or opinion
Drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the “fact or opinion” exercise aims to highlight interpretation biases. The worksheet contains 25 statements to be classified as fact (verifiable information) or opinion (personal interpretation, which varies from person to person). For example, “I’m ugly”, “I had lunch at noon”, “I’m always late” or “My friend frowned”… When a child recognises that a statement is only an opinion, its power decreases, and they can then access evidence that may contradict that opinion.
Don’t hesitate to consult a psychoeducator to help your child with DYS regain their self-confidence! Note that Ora Visio platform professionals specialise in these learning disorders and are well versed in the related issues.
