Rick Lavoie has worked with kids with reading problems for more than 30 years. His advice to parents is to toughen up and recognize that your child needs you.
“Parents sometimes worry that they’re overreacting when their child isn’t reading in first or second grade,” says Lavoie. “It’s really not possible to overreact to that. The reality is you need to stand up for your child. He’s not old enough or capable at this point to advocate for himself. It’s uncomfortable sometimes, but you’ve got a right to ask questions. You’ve got a right to receive answers.”