OAFCCD has received a number of calls from families asking whether they should purchase commercial learning programs that claim to cure problems, such as reading or oral language skills. As with many of the questions we are asked, there is no one answer.

The needs of each child are different and family circumstances vary. The first suggestion we make is to ask the Speech-Language Pathologist involved with the child. They are going to be most familiar with your child's needs and may be able to indicate whether a particular program will help.

The second question we ask is whether there is an adult available to make the commitment to delivering the program. Such programs require a major time commitment for an adult to work one on one with the child and one of the greatest benefits of all these programs is the intensive individual attention. Children feel very special and highly valued when they realise that an adult is willing to work with them and pay attention to their progress. This is a great motivator for any child to try their best! (Although parents should note that, when a parent assumes the role of "teacher" with their own child, it may create problems!)

However, for many parents, making the time commitment is also a challenge. Most parents work outside the home, they are tired after a hard day at work and there are a hundred and one other things calling for their attention. These pressures make it difficult for some families to remain committed to the program after the initial novelty has worn off.

Parents may want to consider if they can get some activity ideas from their child's Speech-Language Pathologist or teacher, and work on phonological awareness in other ways. A teacher or SLP can suggest ideas that are consistent with the school program and the individual goals of the child. The parent can commit to provide one on one attention, but take on shorter assignments which will lead to success for the child and avoid the frustration of a more expensive and time consuming program.

Parents should trust their instincts. As with any consumer product it is buyer beware and only you can judge what will work for your family.