The Art of Helping Our Children

You may have heard teachers or news reports say things like, “Students are behind,” or “These kids are so low.” As parents, it’s discouraging to hear that. But the words we use matter. They don’t just describe children — they shape how we see them, how we treat them, and how they see themselves.

Our children are not “behind.” They are learning at their own pace, and often they simply haven’t been taught or shown something yet. Think of it this way: if you try to fit a square block into a round hole, it doesn’t mean the block is broken — it just needs a different fit. The same is true for learning.

Instead of focusing on what kids haven’t learned, we can focus on what they are learning and how to support them step by step. Just like a doctor creates a plan to restore health, families and teachers can create learning plans that build strength over time.

The good news is, you don’t need hours of extra work or expensive programs. Just 15 minutes a day can make a real difference. Try these four simple activities with your child:

1. Read something every day – A sentence, a page, or a short story, depending on age.

2. Explain something – Ask your child to describe how something works or explain an idea in their own words.

3. Write something – From simple words to a short paragraph, writing builds spelling and confidence.

4. Practice mental math – Use real-life examples, like: “We need eight eggs but only have five. How many more do we need?”

You can also strengthen memory by asking your child to tell you about something that happened during the day. Encourage details — what they saw, heard, or felt.

The most important thing is to give your child credit. They are smart, capable, and full of potential. If they don’t know something yet, it doesn’t mean they’re “slow.” It simply means they’re still learning — and with your support, they’ll keep moving forward.

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Scott Smith has been in education for more than 40 years. Smith currently lives with his wife in Mosier and serves on the Board of Decoding Dyslexia of Oregon.