What to Do If Your Child Is Struggling in School

What to Do If Your Child Is Struggling in School

By Kara Ferreira

As a parent, seeing your child struggle in school can be a frustrating and worrying experience. While it’s important to remember that every child learns at their own pace and in their own way, there are many steps you can take to assess the extent and cause of the issues and to help your child succeed.

Talk to your child’s teacher. 

The first step to helping your child is to communicate with their teacher. Ask if they have noticed any particular areas in which your child is struggling and if there are any suggestions or resources they can recommend to help your child.

Create a consistent routine.

Establishing a consistent routine can help your child stay organized and focused. Set a schedule for homework, meals, and bedtime, and try to stick to it as much as possible.

Provide a quiet study space.

Ensure your child has a designated, quiet study space where they can focus on their work without distractions. This could be a desk in their bedroom, a table in the living room, or even a local library.

Seek academic support. 

If your child is struggling in a particular subject, consider hiring a tutor or enrolling them in an after-school program that specializes in that subject. This can provide them with additional help and support outside of the classroom.

Encourage healthy habits. 

Eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are all essential for a child’s overall health and academic success. Encourage healthy habits at home to help your child feel their best and perform their best in school.

Celebrate progress.

Celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small it may seem. Encouraging them and praising their efforts can help them feel more confident and motivated to continue working hard.

Consider having your student evaluated.

If your child continues to struggle despite your efforts and support, consider requesting an evaluation for special education services. You can also work with a qualified therapist to evaluate your child’s strengths and weaknesses and assess if they have any learning differences. If your child does qualify for specialized services, they can receive individualized support and accommodations to help them succeed.

By offering support, encouragement, and additional resources, you can help your child overcome their academic struggles and succeed in school.

Galvin Growth Group is currently booking consultations for the summer months. Although you may not be thinking about going back to school in the fall, testing during the summer allows for the supports, including interventions, 504 accommodation plans and IEPs to be put in place for fall. The added flexibility of no school in the summer allows Galvin Growth Group to offer testing 7 days a week to meet anyone’s scheduling needs. 

Kara Ferreira is a G3 Contributing Writer.