The power of belief encourages children

As my wife and I worked at raising our girls with every possible opportunity it was apparent that one of the girls was struggling. It was not that the child was being lazy or not trying, she genuinely had a difficult time grasping certain concepts surrounding learning. Following consulting with educational professionals it was determined that she would undergo a series of cognitive and learning-related tests to determine if she had any concerns which needed addressed. After a short time, our lack of understanding was answered. We learned that our beloved child was having a difficult time because she was unable to see simple things like letters and numbers the same way we did. Being diagnosed with mild dyslexia not only answered the questions we had been asking but also opened our eyes to alternate ways of teaching so our child could thrive.

This year we have made some rather major changes where our children’s education is concerned. Deciding to take a more active role in personally leading our children’s education, we have watched a child who struggled heavily excel and blossom into a person who desires for her school day to commence. We have walked alongside this child as she journeyed forth into a realm of finding adventure through a new book, worked through mathematical concepts, and tried not to blow things up as she mixed chemicals on her latest science experiment.

With each new day, we find that the child’s excitement level increases and her desire to learn is enhanced, behaviors which were void for the most part of her prior educational experience. Her lack of excitement, previously, wasn’t due to poor teaching or a lack of educational opportunity, but in my mind, a void due to a minimization of a firm, voiced, belief in her, on multiple levels. Our persistent display of believing in her abilities and our reluctance to accept a mediocre outcome has lit a fire deep within the child. A fire which has ignited not only a willingness to excel but also an excitement for the learning about unknown places and things, where we have been and the unchained possibilities of the future.

As I sit down to write this simple account of my thoughts this week, I am reminded about how through one child’s excitement, we can learn a valuable life lesson. It is simple to get frustrated when things aren’t going our way and people aren’t reacting as we hope they would. Tagging along for the journey, while consistently displaying our belief in the person and their abilities, encouraging them towards greatness, not only lays the foundation for success but can truly provide the fuel by which the person finds it possible to excel. In my child’s eyes, I see hope for the future now. She gains confidence with each passing day. She no longer must shield her inabilities and hide her perceived shortcomings because our belief in her has created a belief in herself. Friends, fine tune your belief in others and surely the doors to the new and exciting adventures will result, as those we believe in are able to find confidence in discovering their untapped greatness.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.