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The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 8, 2006 - 21 Taking good care of your child's self-esteem (NAPSI)-"Self-esteem plays a major role in all aspects of a child's life, having an appreciable impact on learning, school per formance, and peer relationships," accord ing to renowned self-esteem expert and child psychologist, Dr. Robert Brooks. This semester, as your child returns to the classroom, he may be facing some of his own challenges with self-esteem. For a child who has learning or attention problems, school can be an especially difficult environ ment. His constant struggles with schoolwork may result in low self-esteem, and in turn may also affect his ability to enjoy the broad er school experience, such as supportive friendships, "social, or physical activities. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to nur ture your child's self-esteem. Focus on success As you work to help your child succeed in school, you may find it natural to focus on his difficulties, but his strengths are import too. Try taking a broader view of your child's abilities by embracing his strengths as well as his struggles. For example, if your child is having diffi culty with a reading assignment, but excels in math, try doing the math homework first to give him more confidence for completing his other assignments. If your child is a natural athlete, sign him up for a sport of his choice through your local parks and recreation, or encourage him to try out for a school team. You can do the same if he has an artistic or musical talent or a special interest in a hobby. Together, you and your child can under stand his learning and attention problems as workable challenges, not insurmountable obstacles. Some important ways you can foster self-esteem in children include: 1. Help your child recognize and his strengths as well as his struggles. 2. Communicate confidence in your child's abilities and her future. Expect suc cess. 3. Help him set goals that are realistic and achievable. 4. To ensure success, have her divide large projects into smaller, more manage able tasks. 5. Encourage your child to do his per sonal best. Don't compare him to other kids. 6. Help her understand that mistakes are an inevitable (and valuable) part of any learning experience. 7. Reward his effort and progress, not perfection. 8. Seek opportunities for your child to shine. You can learn more about coping with self-esteem issues and other obstacles to success resulting from learning and atten WimmMk ' x V, r a te tion problems at SchwabLearning.org. You can even download a free "Expert Answers" booklet on self-esteem written by Dr. Robert Brooks. Schwab Learning.org is a nonprofit pro gram of the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation dedicated to helping kids with learning and attention difficulties succeed in school and life. CHISHOLM HIGH SCHOOL Open House S a tu rd a y , F e b ru a ry ClllSBOLM 1 1 th 10 am - 2 p m Chisholm High School Offers a Structured and Nurturing Environment For Those Who Require Extra Support in Order to be Successful CLASS SIZES of three to twelve students FACILITIES are modern and well-equipped with a new 30,000 sq. ft. building INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PLANS are completed for each student PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT with full time Ph.D.'s and Psychological Associates SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT with Master level specialists COURSES are designed with the goal of enhancing personal development and educational performance AFTER SCHOOL SUPPORT for elementary & secondary students ASSESSMENT & COUNSELLING services provided by Dr. H. Bernstein & Associates A Special Invitation to the PARENTS & TEACHERS of students with learning difficulties If you are unable to attend our open house, please contact our admissions office to arrange an individual tour at your convenience. C H IS H O L M 1484 Cornwall Rd. 905.844.3240 www.chisholmcentre.com We are located on Cornwall at Maplegrove off the QEW between Trafalgar and Ford Drive.