I always tell my DD that she is smart in a way that is not honored until you are older. I've tried to use real-life examples of people we know and relatives from DH's extensive family tree full of gifted dyslexics. We make a point of having relatives talk to her about their life-experiences. For example, her great uncle, who owns a small ski-resort and has held public office, talked to her about how he can't spell and emphasized how excellent speaking skills helped him achieve success. He also smiled and winked when he told her that she's lucky to live in the age of spell-check. I just wish that the schools understood better how to support these kids so the school years wouldn't be so difficult. Hang in there.
