10 minute help for anxiety in dyslexic kids, mental health

Help a dyslexic child to think positively and to boost their mental health.

Dyslexic children often find learning hard and may fall behind in class. They may face bullying, which can leave a child feeling misunderstood.

This can lead to:

• low self-esteem
• negative self-beliefs
• anxiety
• depression

Talking can help mental health. It can also boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

When children share their feelings in a supportive space, it helps challenge negative thoughts and promotes positive thinking.

Stinking Thinking Card

Use the ‘Stinking Thinking’ card below to start discussions about feelings.

This activity comes from Mooki Cards and is based on research from “Cognitive behaviour therapy NHS.”

Start talking improve mental health

Get help and advice from the Dyslexic Mum below. She shares how dyslexia affects mental health.

“Growing up with dyslexia, I always felt different. I faced bullying from classmates and often got into trouble with teachers. This made me believe I was the problem. I keep my feelings hidden and did not like talking about how I felt.

Now, I understand that sharing my feelings would have helped. If I had someone to challenge my negative thoughts, I could have seen that my dyslexia was not the problem and that I could still succeed.”

Watch the clickable video below to learn how to ‘Help dyslexic kids to talk about their emotions.’

When using the ‘Stinking Thinking’ card to help a dyslexic child express their feelings. Follow these top tips:

Know the signs: Look out for changes in behaviour, which can be signs of anxiety and depression. The child may become:

• very hyper
• unfocused
• misbehave
• withdrawn
• tearful
• speak negatively about themselves
• changes in sleep
• eating

Be patient: The child may not want to discuss their feelings. They might feel ashamed about their struggles. Be patient and let them know you support them. Simple gestures can help such as:

• smiles
• cuddles
• spending extra time together

Start talking: Open conversations to encourage the child to share their feelings. Do this by:

• sharing your own stories from childhood
• listening carefully and show that you care and want to help.
• if the child finds it hard to speak, try texting them.

Learn more about helping children with mental health, “NSPCC children’s mental health”.

Designed to help dyslexic children Mooki Cards. Complete with 56 cards and storage wallet. Perfect for using at home or in the classroom. Order your Mooki Cards here!