We asked a parent what they knew before considering educational therapy for their child. Here’s what they shared (although, to respect their privacy, we won’t be revealing their name):
When my child started struggling in school, I was confused. I didn’t know much about educational therapy and honestly thought tutoring would fix things. Looking back, I wish someone had explained the difference sooner and reassured me that it was okay to ask for help.
Their story reflects the feelings many parents have when first exploring educational therapy. So, let’s read what many wish they knew before taking that step.
But what happens when your child creates strain in school, and you’re not at all sure how to help?
That is where educational therapy comes into the picture, though if you’re like most parents, you might not even know what it really means, at least, not at first. So, let’s have that chat, and get into the things most of us wish we knew before stepping into the educational therapy intervention.
What is Educational Therapy? Is it just tutoring?
First off, let’s clear up a common misconception: educational therapy isn’t tutoring. Sure, both can help with schoolwork, but they’re not the same thing.
Tutoring is all about teaching a subject—math, reading, etc. Educational therapy, on the other hand, is about understanding why your child is struggling to learn in the first place. It digs a bit deeper to tackle inherent learning challenges, whether it's related to processing issues, attention difficulties, or emotional blocks.
I remember talking to a parent who said, “If I had known educational therapy was this different from tutoring, I would’ve started sooner.” They had tried traditional tutoring for months with little improvement before learning that their child needed something more individualized and specialized. Educational therapy steers how a child learns, not just what they learn, which really can make all the difference.
You can visit this link and scroll down to know more about the differences between Educational Therapy and Tutoring: https://www.totalcommunication.com.sg/what-is-educational-therapy
How do I know if my child needs educational therapy?
This is a big one. Most of us don’t jump into educational therapy right away because we’re doubtful if our child really needs it.
We might think, “They just need to focus more” or “Maybe they’re just going through a phase.” But if you notice that your child is consistently falling behind in school, having trouble following directions, or is easily frustrated by learning tasks, these could be signs of something more than just a tough subject.
A child might be struggling to retain information, or maybe they understand things in a way that’s different from how it’s being taught in the classroom. Sometimes, the signs are more subtle, like low self-esteem or avoidance behaviours when it’s time for homework. Educational therapy can help find and address these specific issues with specially designed-to-need strategies.
How does Educational Therapy work?
The beauty of educational therapy is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each child is exceptional, and educational therapists take that into account. They’ll work with your child’s strengths and weaknesses, creating a customized plan. It could involve strategies to improve focus, techniques for organizing thoughts, or exercises to boost memory and comprehension.
I remember hearing about a child who was a whiz at building complex Lego structures but couldn’t seem to write down their thoughts for school assignments. Their educational therapist used that love for building as a way to connect with the child and slowly build up their writing skills through creative approaches.
The sessions are a mix of learning strategies, emotional support, and sometimes even games or activities to make the process engaging. Educational therapy isn’t just about getting better grades; it’s about vesting in children to understand how they learn best and give them the enablers that help them grow at a better speed.
The emotional journey: what parents often don’t expect
One thing that’s rarely talked about is the emotional side of this journey, for both parents and children. As a parent, you may feel a bit overwhelmed or even guilty that you didn’t realize sooner that your child needed more support. That’s completely normal.
But educational therapy isn’t about what could have been done sooner; it’s about what can be done now. And for the child, once they start to see progress and gain confidence, the relief can be palpable. The key is understanding that this is a process, and with the right support, you’ll start to see the changes - both academically and emotionally.
A Hopeful Message for Parents from Total Communication
If you’re standing at the crossroads, hesitant about whether educational therapy is the right step for your child, know this: it’s okay to feel uncertain. But what’s more important is that you’re taking the time to explore options. Educational therapy can be the turning point that helps your child work out to their full ability, and while the path may feel uncertain at first, it can lead to incredible growth.
At Total Communication, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. We believe that every child has the ability to succeed, and our goal is to help them find their unique path to learning. If you think educational therapy might be the right fit for your child, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation. Together, we can bring the magic of learning for your child and set them up for a brighter future.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
To contact us:
Visit this link: https://www.totalcommunication.com.sg/contact
Alternatively, you can call or Whatsapp us on +65 9115 8895
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