As a parent, you want to empower your child to be as successful as possible. You try to find that balance between helping them and letting them do things for themselves and learn from their mistakes. But in an effort to help your child grow and become more independent, don’t overlook signs that they may be struggling in school and need additional support.
One of the most obvious signs is of course slipping grades. Many schools make it easy for parents to see scores for tests and assignments online, so you can quickly catch when their performance is not what it once was. Give them some grace because everyone has a bad day or does poorly on a test now and then, but if their grades are consistently lower than normal, it can be a red flag that something more is going on.
Here are some less obvious changes to be alert for:
- Claims that they have no homework or already finished. If your child usually comes home and does their homework, but they suddenly start saying they already finished it or their teacher didn’t give them any assignments, this can be concerning. They may be trying to avoid doing homework because they don’t understand it.
- Refusal to talk to about school. A lot of kids like to share what happened during the day or different things they have learned. When you ask your child about a certain class, project, or just their day in general and they change the subject or don’t respond, they may be having trouble in class.
- Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches. Was your child fine the night before, and now when it’s time to go to school they don’t feel well? Or they are frequently in the nurse’s office? Physical ailments may stem from stress or anxiety about class, tests, or assignments.
- Low self-esteem. If your child is hard on themselves and overly critical of their work, it may be because they are struggling in class. Not understanding a certain topic or concept can make them feel overwhelmed and feel like they aren’t smart enough.
- Trouble staying organized. Having difficulty keeping track of papers, taking effective notes, or remembering assignments can affect your child’s performance. It’s not that they don’t want to do the work or don’t know how to, it may be that issues with executive function are getting in the way.
- Poor performance despite studying. Do you watch your child spend hours doing their homework and studying for tests, only for them to receive low grades? Even though they are putting in the effort, do their scores not reflect that? They may not know the best way to study, manage their time, or take exams.
Tutoring can be a great way to get your child the personalized help they need to be more successful in school. A learning specialist can understand where there are gaps or challenges, identify how your child learns best, and present information in a way that makes sense. They can assist your child in developing more effective study skills and test taking strategies, along with general note taking and organization. This additional support can boost your child’s confidence and performance and get them back on the right track. Contact Crafting Scholars today to learn more and reserve your child’s spot.