--- title: Be the reason your child thrives description: Is your child struggling with focus, following directions, or skills like reading and math? Be the reason your child gets the support they need to thrive. Try these simple activities to get started. slug: be-the-reason author: The Understood Team published: '2022-05-16T16:03:32.869Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/6j60dREmjIutn6eFg7K4VW/abf49cae5c6888da7e21ae7f36785843/Metadata_Image.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/be-the-reason lang: en --- # Be the reason your child thrives [![I need you to listen](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/C4c3iHU0YzQ/sddefault.webp)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4c3iHU0YzQ) When your child is struggling at school or at home, it’s not easy to know why it’s happening or what to do. You might wonder, *Do other kids have the same struggles? Will my child grow out of it? Or should I look into this more? * You’ve come to the right place to start getting answers. Our resources can help you understand what’s going on — and the steps you can take to support your child.  You can be the reason your child thrives. Download this kit of fun, simple activities to get started.  [Be the Reason activity kit](https://cdn-assets.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/1vj7cRwcglJeFSS6W8cxxK/ad61b39977c166979b1bdb1537183fd2/Bethereason_Activity_Kit_Understood__1_.pdf) ## When my parents listened > “My mom knew I was a curious, innovative, smart, playful young boy. She couldn’t understand why, when I was in a very traditional school system, I was below average. She would say, ‘You’re not stupid and you’re not lazy — there’s something else going on.’”  > > *— Gil Gershoni* > “I’d vent and share how I felt. [My mom] would listen and validate my feelings. Then, once I’d calmed down, we would discuss how together we could make school better.”  > > *— Natalie Tamburello* > “My parents know I’m smart and successful, and they’re proud of me. I have succeeded as a first-generation high school, college, and graduate student. They don’t care what I have.”  > > *— Mayra Flores* ## Questions to ask your child about school Tired of being met by shrugs when you ask, “How was school?” Use these [seven positive questions](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/open-ended-questions-to-ask-child-about-school) to get your child to talk about school. ## Through your child’s eyes Listen to what kids have to say about [what it feels like to have trouble learning](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/through-your-childs-eyes). Watch videos about reading, math, focus, and more. ## Why kids misbehave Sometimes there isn’t a good reason for why kids misbehave. But many times, there is. Learn about [what your child’s behavior might be telling you](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-do-kids-misbehave). --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [Why do kids misbehave?](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-do-kids-misbehave) - Most kids misbehave from time to time. They might have a tantrum, interrupt when other people are talking, or not follow directions. It can be hard if your child does these things a lot. You might wonder whether the behavior is typical for kids that age, or if it means something more.Or you might n - [How parents can Take N.O.T.E. of signs of learning and thinking differences to help students thrive at school](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-parents-can-take-n-o-t-e-of-signs-of-learning-and-thinking-differences) - By Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway As a psychologist, I have spent over a decade investigating how learning and thinking differences can impact academic progress. Throughout this journey, I have had the privilege of working closely with educators and parents. Now more than ever, it is crucial to accuratel - [Crucial conversations: Collaboration with families and educators](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/crucial-conversations-collaboration-with-families-and-educators) - Why conversations are important Beginning the conversation about learning and thinking differences is an important step in supporting children academically, socially, and emotionally but it can also be the hardest part. Recent research by Understood and UnidosUS revealed that 44% of parents find it --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/be-the-reason#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/be-the-reason","description":"Is your child struggling with focus, following directions, or skills like reading and math? Be the reason your child gets the support they need to thrive. 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