My children are nearing middle school. How I wish this was available 5 years ago at the start of our elementary school journey! I have read countless books and research about learning differences. If I could choose just one self-help book to recommend to young parents, this would be it. If you suspect your child thinks/learns differently, this is a must read. All children deserve to be valued for who they are. Ms. Rosetti explains how. I also hope that everyone involved with our school system might take time to read Bright Kids who Struggle in School. Thank you, Dewey Rosetti, for taking the time to share your years of accumulated wisdom with us!! Thank you also to Melissa, who is the real hero of the story. You have provided hope to me and countless others.
"A book all parents and educators need!!"
This is an easy to read, highly absorbable and practical book. The part about getting your spouse on board was very pertinent.
I loved how the author included examples of well known successful people who struggled in school. I also felt the way she honestly described her own journey was so heartfelt and yet highly relatable. Even though the book could/should be considered a scientific journal, I found it to be highly readable while being enormously educational.
"Parents: You Need This Book!"
I wish I’d had this book when I learned about my child’s learning differences. I’ve had felt so lone and confused and rudderless. I didn’t know what path I was on or that if my child and the future seemed very bleak.
Parenting Bright Kids Who Struggle In School is like having a good friend who is extremely knowledgeable and experienced to talk with about this AND who can provide expert advice.
From the simple to the complex, the advice is solid. For example, employ the two to one rule: compliment 2x for each guiding word or criticism you offer your child. Your child’s beleaguered nervous system will need the extra love. Like a wilted flower, they will strengthen with this kind of nourishment you will learn to provide for them.
And you will learn how to care for yourself and find the resources to provide a better path forward for you, your child and your family.
"Inspirational and Instructive!"
This book was written in such a manner that it will assist parents whose child may have learning differences to navigate the deep waters of resources available to guide their way to a brighter future for their child. Each chapter is very well researched and provides easy access to all of the tools that the author has used in her personal search for the answers for her child. Any parent who is confused and confounded with what to do when things are not going according to what the educational "norm" provides, will be greatly comforted by this book. It is very inspirational because it has case studies, which always make the reader feel accompanied in the trek to more knowledge and more resources for this difficult situation. It is a very important read for anyone with children, but especially those whose child presents "differently" on the path to higher education. This book also provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to look at their own expectations and how those might play into the situation at hand. Great food for thought for all parents.
"A game changer for families dealing with dyslexia"
Overall, Parenting Bright Kids Who Struggle in School gives hope to parents who are beginning the journey of learning differences with their child. It’s a bright spot in the whole LD arena. Schools should give this book to parents when they first address the topic to soften the blow and provide a path for them.
What Dewey reveals is that there is so much encouraging new science to help parents understand the bigger picture and how their child fits in. Plus, Dewey’s child is now an adult so we can see the result of all of her work on mindset and how it helped Melissa. And showing what we as families can do better to help everyone develop a growth mindset is so important.
Dewey shows us new ways of how to talk about dyslexia and how to view it. The book is full of examples of highly successful people who have dyslexia. The simple difference that the language we use is monumental. Referring to dyslexia as a “difference” instead of a “disability” is a major step forward.
In reading this book I relived my own memories of trying to figure out how to deal with the news that my own daughter had a learning difference. Was it because I used in-vitro fertilization? Did I eat too much tuna fish? I was too wild as a single woman? I felt I was to blame. My brother is dyslexic and now my daughter. For me, it was heart-wrenching…
And for Dewey Rosetti as well. I could feel her pain. And the guilt from doing what you believe is best and it turns out to be wrong…
The concept of the “jagged edge” is a great visual. When I had my daughter tested, she had such a jagged profile, but there wasn’t terminology for that at the time. Now Dewey has given us the words to talk about it. And an understanding that EVERYONE has a jagged profile.
The whole idea of focusing on your child’s strengths instead of shoring up their weaknesses is so right on. I finally realized that I shouldn’t waste my time and create so much anxiety over spelling. My daughter is never going to be a speller. Luckily, she has spell check and she uses it and she knows she always needs a proofreader to catch other errors. No amount of repetition was ever going to change that.
In the appendix Dewey helps by break down the Psych-Ed report so you get a better understanding of the whole process. That alone is worth the price of the book.
If you’re just beginning this journey, you definitely need to read this book. Dewey shows you the way through the thicket into the light.
Every teacher and school counselor should read this book as well. And pediatrician, to understand exactly what parents are going through.
This book is a game-changer.
