Welcome 

Hello and welcome to Ask Robyn.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reaching out and looking for support for your son. This shows that you are in tune with what is going on for him and that you are seeking every form of support available to help him through what can be a very difficult time for many children when returning to school.

School supports and diagnosis

You have mentioned that your son has dyspraxia and processing difficulties. Is he linked with any organisation for support, or has he received an official diagnosis? If your son has an official diagnosis, then the school should be able to put a support network in place to ensure that he has what he needs to reach his full potential. It may be a good idea to arrange a meeting with the school as early as possible to discuss your concerns and to create a plan that will work in supporting him.

Dealing with unfair punishment

We are sorry to hear that your son is getting into trouble because teachers may be rushing to punishment rather than recognising that he could be struggling. It is important to know that you have a voice in this. If you notice a pattern where your son is disciplined without consideration of his dyspraxia and processing difficulties, then you have grounds to raise a complaint. Doing so can empower both you and your son by showing that you have the right to be heard and treated fairly.

Building self-esteem at home

You have also mentioned that your son’s self-esteem has been affected and that you would like support in building this up for him. One simple idea is a positivity jar. You and your son can sit down together and write notes with one positive thing about him on each. The more notes he writes himself, the more empowering it can be, because he will see his own handwriting reminding him of something positive he recognised in himself. When the jar is filled, keep it in a visible place and encourage him to take a note when he is feeling low or before going to school. This can help boost his self-esteem and prepare him for challenges.

Another option is to draw an outline of your son on a large sheet of paper and write positive words inside the outline that you both associate with him. If he is comfortable, you could also ask family members or friends to add kind words that describe him. This can then be displayed as a poster to remind him not only how he sees himself but also how others value him.

Services that can help

At the ISPCC, we provide a Childline Therapeutic Support Service. Staff cover different areas throughout Ireland and work with children and young people up to the age of 18 to build resilience. The focus is on self-esteem, self-regulation and social supports, to help families strengthen children’s resilience skills. This service is available in Galway, Mayo, Limerick, Clare, Cork, Cavan/Monaghan, Dublin and Louth.

We also have Childline, which provides a 24-hour phone and digital chat service for children who wish to talk about what is going on for them. Trained facilitators actively listen, provide support and signpost children to additional services. The website is childline.ie, the freephone number is 1800 66 66 66, and your son can also use the webchat service on the site.

Another useful resource is Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland, which provides information and may connect you to services that can support your son.

Support for parents

We operate a Parent Support Line too, available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm on 01 522 4300. You can find helpful resources on ispcc.ie or email us at [email protected].

Closing message

We hope that the information above is useful to you, and we wish you the very best in supporting your son at school. It is clear that he is fortunate to have a parent who is looking out for his best interests. Remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and you are doing a great job by seeking support when you need it.

Keep reaching out,

Robyn