Author: Patricia Dokter Ritsema

I do not know who to credit this to! I would love to. It was sent to me anonymously. Take my hand and come with me I want to teach you about ADHD I need you to know, I want to explain, I have a very different brain Sights sounds and thoughts collide What to… Continue reading Walk with me →

Recent LD stats, from ldaamerica.org, 2018 Your chances of knowing someone with learning disabilities are very good. Did you know? • 2.4 million students are diagnosed with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and receive services under IDEA. This represents 41% of all students receiving special education services. * • 75% – 80%of special education students identified… Continue reading Statistics from LDA.org, 2018 →

Parents never want to see children struggle in school or in life. Instead, we have dreams and hopes for our children, even if we don’t always verbalize them. We want children to fit in, behave, pay attention, get good grades, have good friends, and enjoy school. As our children pass through elementary, middle and high… Continue reading PUZZLE PIECES →

In order to develop successful, independent learners, NILD Educational Therapy® focuses on developing four key components – cognition, perception, academics and emotions.  The focus of the individualized intervention is to strengthen the underlying causes of learning difficulties rather than simply treating the symptoms. Which is what tutoring does.  NILD educational therapy is a true therapy in that… Continue reading From NILD.org “What is NILD Therapy? →

  Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your child? Your child may have a very different temperament than yours. I think it is essential to consider when you think of relationship dynamics. If you search the internet you can find many temperament or style surveys. Take a look. I think you will be reminded again… Continue reading Child overwhelming you? →

Time management is complex whether you are young or old. Time is all we have so it is important to use it well. Habits are important tools to help us manage our lives.  Planning, reviewing , and revising are habits worth cultivatingfor the long run. Now that 2018 has begun, it is a good time… Continue reading Review Reflect Revise →

The best Tools are important to get any job done. De-escalating is one of those helpful parenting tools. De-escalating our upset child, or ourself for that matter, is one of the most important things a parent can learn. It is a skill to be practiced and honed. Children who need de-escalating are in crisis, and… Continue reading De-escalating →

Dyslexics appear unintelligent in the conventional education system. My teachers simply thought I was stupid. But the unique ability to focus in on what matters is one of the most important skills for an entrepreneur. In today’s world of information overload, this is a skill that is becoming more and more desirable. ~ Richard Branson

Holidays conjure up pictures of Pinterest perfection! Stunning decor, delectable foods, and perfectly decorated tables and gifts! Mom’s are never busier! Cards, cooking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, entertaining, parties are just some of the demands! I confess to the time I worked in a stress filled job with little free time to meet all these demands.… Continue reading Hallmark Holiday →

Helpful Links: Now that school is way past the starting point, you may be asking for help with either new or continuing signs of struggles with your child who has LD or ADHD. Hear are some excellent resources: Understood.org Chadd.org LDA.org NILD.org Take some time to look and join to learn tried and true ways… Continue reading Link up →

The Journey metaphor is one of movement, pauses, vistas, companionship, and adventure. The journey is sometimes called a pilgrimage, a sojourn or an odyssey. Words that convey a sense of the unknown ahead. Journey in contrast with a trip does not go and come back, like a trip from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. A journey… Continue reading Parenting Journey →