"A World of Difference," S1, E8 | Bolstering Self-Esteem in Kids with Learning Disabilities

Jack Canfield, the co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, once observed that “self-esteem is made up primarily of two things: feeling lovable and feeling capable.” Low self-esteem doesn’t play favorites. But it can betray a fondness for children with learning disabilities. And because school-based learning programs are created for the masses — meaning neurotypical children — a child who learns differently may fall victim to believing he or she isn’t as smart as their classmates. And this belief comes with baggage: shame, doubt, and feeling different. When children with learning disabilities fall into that trapped thinking they may link their performance and ability to their self-worth, as they no longer feel worthy of respect or love from others. That can result in them dodging homework, withdrawing from social activities, or acting out. Bewildered parents wonder: How can I boost my son’s self-esteem? How can I teach my daughter to cope? How can I celebrate my child’s strengths? On this episode of “A World of Difference,” we’ll meet a pair of Charlotte, NC brothers at The Fletcher School, who learn differently whose parents have been all in with helping bolster their sons’ sense of self and supporting their journeys toward abundant lives. Next, we dive deeper into the sources and methods of bolstering self-esteem with an esteemed panel of experts in our “Ask the Experts” segment. Finally, we’ll introduce you to this month’s “Difference Maker,” Stanley Cup champion Brent Sopel, who now is scoring even more points off the ice chasing his goal of helping dyslexics like him find their footing.