When practicing is not enough

"We practise every day - why doesn't it still work?"
"My child keeps mixing up letters - is he just not doing it properly?"
"Other children can do it too - why is mine finding it so difficult?"

Many parents have thoughts like these when reading, writing or arithmetic are very difficult despite intensive efforts. It often starts gradually: homework takes an unusually long time, the child avoids certain tasks or reacts with frustration and sadness. Over time, insecurities develop - on the part of the parents as well as the child itself.

It is important to note that persistent difficulties with reading, writing or arithmetic are not a sign of a lack of intelligence or motivation. If children are visibly trying hard and still not making any progress, it can be helpful to take a closer look.
 

What are dyslexia and dyscalculia actually?

Dyslexia and dyscalculia are classified as specific learning difficulties. This means that certain aspects of letter and number perception and processing are significantly impaired, whilst other skills may be age-appropriate or even particularly well developed.

With dyslexia, children find it difficult to recognize letters reliably, assign sounds correctly and read words fluently or write them correctly. Reading often remains sluggish and spelling errors occur again and again despite practice.

Dyscalculia is characterized by fundamental difficulties in dealing with numbers and quantities. Affected children have problems understanding number relationships, comprehending arithmetic operations or reliably estimating quantities.

Important to know: These peculiarities are due to different processing pathways in the brain. They are not the result of laziness, a lack of encouragement or "too little practice". Many children with dyslexia or dyscalculia have pronounced strengths in other areas - such as creativity, social perception, problem-solving skills or verbal expression.
 

Recognizing typical signs

Signs of dyslexia can be

• Letters are mixed up or omitted
• Reading remains slow and halting
• Spelling errors occur even with frequently practiced words
• The child avoids reading tasks
• High frustration when reading aloud

Signs of dyscalculia can be

• Difficulty grasping quantities spontaneously
• Uncertainty when calculating beyond the tens
• Numbers are twisted or mixed up
• Long counting on the fingers
• Great uncertainty with math problems

Not every child with temporary difficulties automatically has a learning disorder. The decisive factor is whether the problems are persistent and clearly pronounced and whether hardly any progress is visible despite practice.
 

How parents can provide targeted support

In addition to professional support, parental guidance plays a key role. Support does not mean building up more pressure, but rather providing security.

Strengthen emotionally
Children with learning difficulties often experience self-doubt. This makes it all the more important to clearly separate performance and person:

• Praise the effort, not just the result.
• Say clearly: "You're not bad at math - math is difficult for you right now."
• Take frustration seriously.
• Avoid comparisons with siblings or classmates.

Stable self-esteem is the most important basis for learning development.

Relieve stress at home
Learning under constant stress blocks progress. That's why it helps:

• Short, manageable learning units
• Fixed, quiet learning times
• Regular breaks
• Clear structures
• An appreciative atmosphere

Less pressure often leads to more willingness to learn.

Adapt learning strategies
Children with dyslexia or dyscalculia benefit from adapted learning paths:

• Reading aloud instead of just silently
• Clapping syllables or speaking words rhythmically
• Calculating with concrete materials such as cubes, beads or Lego bricks
• Use visualizations
• Step-by-step explanations

Sometimes it doesn't take more practice, but different approaches.

Seek cooperation
If you have the impression that the difficulties go far beyond the usual, a professional clarification may be useful. Talk to the teacher or contact school psychological counseling centers. Early diagnosis enables targeted support and relieves both children and parents.
 

Encourage

If a child struggles with reading or arithmetic for a long time, this is stressful for the whole family. Many parents experience periods of uncertainty and wonder whether they are doing enough or taking the right steps. The important thing is that you are not alone with these questions - and there are ways to support your child in a targeted and empowering way.

With understanding, patience and suitable strategies, children can learn to deal with their particularities and develop their strengths. This is exactly where we would like to support you.

In April, we have prepared two suitable online lectures for you:

"Dyslexia - Why letters are a puzzle for my child and how I can support them as a parent" on 08.04.2026 at 12:00 noon.

"Dyscalculia - Why numbers are a puzzle for my child and how I can support them as a parent" on 21.04.2026 at 12:30 pm.

Both events will provide you with in-depth information and practical ideas for your everyday family life. We look forward to welcoming you there.