As a parent, seeing your child struggling in school can leave you feeling helpless and frustrated. You may worry about your child’s ability to learn, his emotional well-being, or that he is being lazy. However, you should be careful not to make assumptions. Finding out why your child is having trouble in school is the first step to solving the problem.
Avoid shame and blame
It can be upsetting when your child brings home bad grades or shows little interest in learning, but you won’t fix the problem by shaming him or assigning blame. Talk to your child to understand what is happening at school, and reassure him that you want to help him find a way to be more successful.
Focus on effort over ability
Telling a child that he is smart may set him up for trouble in school when he comes across a challenging subject. Instead of praising intelligence or natural ability, be sure to applaud your child’s effort at school. This teaches him that he has control over his learning, instead of sending the message that school should be easy because he is smart.
Talk to the teachers
After talking to your child, you should meet with his teachers to get a better idea of what is happening at school. Teachers can tell you why your child’s grades are slipping (e.g. missed homework, low test scores) and may be able to offer some insights into what may be behind the problem.
Test for potential problems
Parenting often requires getting professional help from doctors, teachers, and other experts. Your child could be struggling in school because he needs glasses or has an illness which is making him tired. He could have a learning disability or an attention deficit disorder, or he may simply learn more easily with a different approach. Professional testing can help pinpoint many different problems.
Consider emotional issues
Stressful situations at home or with friends can have an impact on your child’s academic success. Try talking to you child about any worries he may have. It may be easier for him to talk to someone else, like a school counselor or family therapist.
Arrange for tutoring
Many students simply need a little extra help outside of the classroom. Schools often have programs for homework help, and many teachers will meet with students before or after school for extra instruction. If help is not available through the school, private tutoring can often help students get ahead.
Establish a routine
Having a set time and place for homework can do wonders to help students get back on track. Help your child establish good habits like writing assignments down in an agenda and studying for tests. Making time for schoolwork at home sends the message that grades are just as important as extracurricular sports and activities.
Helping your child when he is struggling in school often takes patience and a positive attitude. By working together, you can help your child learn that he can succeed in school.