What Not to Say or Do: Common Mistakes Parents Make with a Dyslexic Child

When Love Leads Us Astray: The Honest Mistakes We Make

If you're reading this, chances are you're that devoted, tired parent who’s staying up late trying to decode dyslexia—trying to help your child thrive in a school system that often feels like it wasn't built for them. You're not alone. And while your love and effort are your child's greatest assets, sometimes, without meaning to, we follow advice that just doesn’t work—or worse, does more harm than good.

Dyslexia isn’t a lack of intelligence or effort. It’s a difference in the way the brain processes information. Some conventional “wisdom” doesn’t take that into account. Let’s explore the common but misguided pieces of advice that you may have heard—and show you what to do instead.

"Make Them Read More—They Just Need Practice"

It sounds logical, right? Reading more should help a child become a better reader. But here’s the thing: for a dyslexic child, more practice doesn’t necessarily mean better results—at least not in the way we often envision practice.

For many dyslexic children, reading is mentally exhausting. Asking them to read more can feel like asking someone with a sprained ankle to run laps. It not only exhausts them—it makes them feel like they’re constantly failing.

Instead, focus on gentle repetition and exposure using varied formats. Audiobooks, graphic novels, and interactive content can help your child engage with language without burning out their cognitive resources. This isn’t about avoiding reading—it’s about approaching it in a way that builds confidence rather than anxiety.

"They Just Need to Try Harder"

Few things sound more demotivating to a child who is already giving everything they have than being told they’re not trying hard enough. Effort is not the issue with most dyslexic kids. In fact, your child may be exerting twice the cognitive energy of their peers to keep up—and still falling short.

If your child comes home from school exhausted, anxious, or emotional about homework, it's not a sign of laziness. It’s a sign of overload. Learn to spot these red flags of burnout. In moments like these, they don’t need a push; they need you to pull back and reassess the path forward. You’ll find helpful strategies in this guide to avoiding homework meltdowns.

"Dyslexia Is Just About Reading"

This well-intentioned but narrow view leads many parents and teachers to miss the fuller picture of what a dyslexic child experiences. Yes, reading is often the most visible challenge—but dyslexia can affect spelling, written expression, memory, sequencing, and even verbal skills in some cases.

Understanding the way your child’s brain works is crucial to offering the right support. In this exploration of how a dyslexic brain processes information, you'll find insights that can shift your entire approach. The more you understand what’s happening behind the scenes, the more intuitive your support becomes.

"They’ll Outgrow It Eventually"

Dyslexia is not something children outgrow. It's neurologically-based, and while early intervention helps tremendously, that doesn’t mean the underlying condition disappears with age. What does improve, however, is your child’s toolkit—the coping mechanisms, strategies, and self-esteem that make a huge difference in long-term outcomes.

Your job isn’t to wait for this to pass—your job is to equip them. And thankfully, we're living in an age where support tools are evolving. For example, transforming printed lessons into captivating audio adventures where your child is the hero (and addressed by their first name) can make learning less intimidating, and sometimes even fun. Some parents have found subtle but powerful support using tools like the Skuli App (available on iOS and Android), which let kids relive their school day through stories, not worksheets.

"They Just Need to Be More Disciplined"

It’s heartbreaking, but many parents are led to believe that their child’s disorganization, forgetfulness, or slow writing speed is due to laziness or lack of discipline. The truth? These symptoms are deeply tied to how their brain functions—not a character flaw.

Trying to shape your child into a “model student” by enforcing rigid rules or punishments can backfire emotionally. Instead, focus on creating systems that work with their brain, not against it. One inclusive method might be simplifying how they review lessons. If your child struggles with note-taking and remembering what was written on the board, why not snap a photo of the lesson and turn it into a custom quiz or listening aid during the ride home?

"They’re Smart; They’ll Figure It Out On Their Own"

Yes, your child is smart. Exceptionally smart, in fact. But that doesn’t mean they should have to struggle alone. Intelligence doesn’t erase learning differences—it just means your child probably has hidden strengths that can shine if they’re supported appropriately.

Some of the most brilliant minds in history—Einstein, Da Vinci, Agatha Christie—are believed to have had dyslexia. They didn’t succeed because their challenges vanished; they succeeded because they found new ways to engage with their world. You can begin that journey with your child today.

Here’s a deeper look into how dyslexia changes learning—and how that understanding can shape a more compassionate approach.

Choosing the Right Compass for the Road Ahead

There is no perfect strategy—and no perfect parent. But the heart you’re bringing to this journey is already the most powerful tool your child has. Avoiding damaging advice is just as important as offering the right support.

Support your child with curiosity, not correction. Approach learning creatively. Celebrate effort over speed. And when in doubt, lean into resources that adapt to your child’s world—not the other way around. Whether it’s audiobooks, voice-based storytelling, or custom quizzes, the right tools can unlock confidence and joy for children who see the world a little differently.

For more on the impact of audio learning, especially for dyslexic minds, dive into this powerful article on how audiobooks can unlock learning.