Help! My child is struggling.

7 signs your child might be struggling at School and needs help!

(By Lisa Linnell-Olsen - Verywell family)

Experiences a Change in Attitude About School

If your child previously had a positive attitude about school, but has become distant or angry about school, you can bet they do not like how things are going. Either they are struggling with their studies, having relational issues, or both. 

Displays Physical Symptoms

Whether your child is having issues sleeping, experiencing changes in eating patterns, or complaining of pain, they could be struggling in school. For instance, problems sleeping or eating often result from worry, especially if they know they aren't keeping up with the class on their schoolwork.

Spends Excessive Time on Homework

If your child is falling into a pattern of having little to no free time outside of school because they are spending all their time on homework, this could be a sign of an issue. A child should be spending roughly 10 minutes per grade level on homework each school night (so 20 minutes in second grade, 30 minutes in third grade, and so on). However, homework policies vary tremendously among teachers and schools. It is important to realise that some teachers give out more homework and some give out far less. So be familiar with the teachers' homework policies.

Receives Poor Reports From Teacher

Sometimes it is easy to dismiss what a teacher says about your child, especially if what they are telling you is different than what you believe to be true about your child. But remember, your child's teacher is teaching a classroom full of students the same material. If your child's teacher believes that your child is struggling more than other students, pay attention.

Misbehaves at School

Sometimes misbehaviour at school is really your child's way of trying to take attention off the fact they are struggling with their work. Children (and teens, too) often lack many of the skills needed to speak up and specifically say what it is they are having trouble with.

Receives Low Grades

Dropping grades is a common indicator that your child is struggling. Yet, sometimes parents feel that bad grades simply mean that their child just isn't applying themselves and that they will outgrow it. While an occasional poor grade may not be cause for serious concern, a pattern of low grades—or worse, a report card full of poor grades is a sign of a problem.

Refuses to Discuss School

When your child suddenly doesn't want to tell you about what they are learning in school or how their school day went, it can be a signal that something is not right at school. This is especially true if they were usually open and chatty in the past.

How You Can Help

Be a Good Listener

Take the time to talk to your child about what they are experiencing and truly listen to what they have to say.

Look for Practical Solutions

Knowing you are there to support them and that you love them unconditionally goes a long way in easing some of the stress and anxiety your child may be experiencing. It's also important to provide practical support and work with the teacher to create a plan. These tools help set them up for success and can keep them on track.

Seek Professional Help

If you suspect your child is struggling because of a learning or developmental disorder, it is important to get a psychological evaluation done.

The sooner you intervene and get your child they help that they need, the sooner the stress and anxiety they are experiencing will subside.

CONTACT:

YOLANDI ENGELBRECT

+27 824585503

yolandi@biolink-braintraining.com