It’s 4:35 p.m. Your child comes home from school a little tired—and very hungry! But you already have homework on the mind. It’s a familiar scene in many families—one that can be even harder to navigate with a child who has developmental language disorder (DLD). What can you do at home to make the process easier, more efficient, and more positive? Here are a few practical tips to help you succeed.
The transition from school to home can be hard. A lack of time, fatigue, and supper duty means that you aren’t always in the best frame of mind to help your child with their homework. But it’s important to remember that your role as a parent isn’t to be their teacher or do their work for them! Your job is to coach them and cheer them on.
Here are some ways in which a parent can take on a coaching role:
Sometimes, we need to lower our expectations and accept our limits as parents. Teaching methods are constantly changing, so it’s normal not to master everything. There are even certain French and math terms that have changed since you were in school.
Tip: If you have questions about your child’s work, use our Chat with a Teacher service to find answers!
A routine is more than just a schedule to be followed. For a child living with DLD, it’s a reassuring touchpoint that helps them understand and anticipate what’s coming next, reducing their anxiety and boosting their confidence.
A well-established routine has many benefits.
If you want to establish a motivating routine for a child with DLD, you must respect their rhythm and adapt the way you communicate. Here are a few winning tips.
For a routine to work, it has to be repeated, step by step. Repetition makes it more automatic and easier to integrate into your daily life.
Language and organization are major challenges for someone with DLD. Visual aids and organizational tools can really help. Here are a few effective visual tools to try.
Use a variety of tools to keep them engaged: a whiteboard, sticky notes that can be moved around, cards for sorting or matching, and quizzes to keep studying fun.
Our surroundings have a real impact on our ability to concentrate. The right space can make all the difference. Here are a few things to consider.
Some children concentrate better when they use a weighted object (a cushion or blanket) or other sensory tools. The important thing is to find out what helps your child concentrate.
Open communication with your child’s teacher is essential. Together, you act as a team to support your child.
Sharing your observations will help the teacher understand what’s going on at home and adapt their support accordingly. You could, for example, let them know if your child has slept badly, hasn’t finished their homework, or is struggling with a particular concept.
If your child is feeling overloaded, talk to the teacher about prioritizing certain tasks. Here’s an example: “The vocabulary words are really hard this week, can we concentrate on part of the list?” This kind of ongoing dialogue ensures better follow-up and avoids unnecessary overload.
This article was written in partnership with TDL Lanaudière, an organization that supports people with developmental language disorder (DLD), as well as their families, loved ones, and caregivers.
Consult the Regroupement TDL Québec to find organizations in your area.