Reasons Your Child May Be Struggling in School

It's frustrating to watch your child struggle in school, especially if you don't know the cause. There are as many obstacles to learning as there are children. The most common causes are either physical, psychological, behavioral, or circumstances in a child's life which are beyond their control.

Don't Squint

Does your student have frequent headaches? Do they squint a lot? They might need glasses. If a student has a hard time reading, or can't even see the front of the classroom, how can they be expected to excel? Take your child for an eye exam. Correcting their vision might make all the difference.

Feeling Mixed Up?

Maybe your child has dyslexia and does not process written information accurately. Instead of seeing letters and numbers how they are printed, people with dyslexia often see them backwards or mixed up. This poses huge obstacles with regards to reading and comprehension. But with proper diagnosis and treatment your student can still do well in the classroom.

Learning and Behavioral Disabilities

A learning disability is a physical or psychological condition that prevents a child from achieving their true potential for learning. Behavioral problems get in the way of a child's ability to pay attention or interact with others.

Students with learning or behavioral problems sometimes have difficulty grasping new concepts, remembering things, completing tasks on time, following directions, or concentrating for extended periods. If you think your child may have a disability, consult a doctor or therapist. Your child's school may have a staff member who can help.

Early detection and intervention for learning or behavioral disabilities can prevent serious problems in social and academic development.

Tough Times

The circumstances in your child's life can be as much a block to learning as any clinical disability. A child faced with divorcing parents, a school bully, or even the loss of a pet can begin to fall behind in school. Play an active role in your child's life. Talk to them. Being a parent often means being the enforcer or the teacher, but sometimes you need to be a friend. It's vital to help your child find the help they need to resolve their difficulties, even if it means contacting a school counselor or psychologist. But very often just listening to your child and talking (and more importantly listening) about their concerns will be enough.

A Blessing and a Curse

Sometimes learning difficulties arise from boredom. Your child may just be too advanced for the classes they're taking. If a student is bored with the material or the speed at which the class is being taught, they can revert to childish behavior or fail to complete the assigned work. Talk to your child about their experience with their classes and the courses they're taking. Find out whether or not they understand the material, why they're not applying themselves and what they might find more interesting or challenging.