Introduction of Learning with Matthew

The purpose of this book is to help support all caregivers who want to teach their children positive ways to communicate their feelings and solve their problems. My hope is to help caregivers be more attentive to the behaviors their children display and learn to look behind the behaviors to the pain their children may be feeling.

Being a parent or a caregiver is one of the most difficult roles we have as an adult. We can become overwhelmed at times with the responsibility of raising and providing for our children. As parents, we are often challenged with each stage of growth and development our child presents. Then suddenly it is the first day of school, and we are filled with anxiety as we realize our children will now spend more time at school with their teacher and friends than they do at home. So when our children come home from school unhappy, it is very distressing to us. Your child may share with you that they are having difficulty at school with their academics, friends, teacher or athletic ability. As parents and caregivers, we try to support our children by listening to their concerns, and we will coach them on how to resolve the issues. A child's problems will evolve from the school environment because, for the next twelve years, it is their reflective world. Helping your child learn coping and communication skills will assist your child to resolve their issues proactively and increase their self-esteem.

This booklet is written in a narrative form so that you and your child can work through it together. The story presents a common problem of learning how to read. It displays how being a slow learner can affect a child's self-esteem and social skills. I will use a male character, Matthew through out this story even though these concern effect both males and females. As each problem is presented, I will then suggest possible solutions for your family to try together.

I will use the term "caregiver" throughout this booklet. I define the term "caregiver" as any individual who tries to make a difference in a child's life and believes that it "takes a village" to raise a child. I hope that as and your child learn this skills, it will help you lead happier lives and build stronger relationships.