How to help if your child is falling behind in school

Being a parent and observing your child struggle in school can be incredibly upsetting and worrying. A child’s self-esteem and academic success can be greatly affected by falling behind in school, whether it be because of a particular subject or a general lack of progress. You can take action to assist your child in getting back on track, though.

This is a collaborative post.

Every child is different, of course, but here are some ideas to support your kid, with a few to changing the narrative in school for them.

1. Communicate with the teacher

Talking openly and honestly with your child’s teacher is the first step in addressing their academic difficulties. Find out what particular areas your child is having trouble with, and ask the teacher for any advice or resources that they may have. This will help you comprehend what is happening in the classroom and how you can support your child the most effectively.

2. Identify the cause of the problem

It’s imperative to recognise the underlying causes of your child’s difficulties in order to effectively address the situation. Does your child face difficulties in a particular subject? Has a learning disability been identified? Are there any personal or emotional problems that could be affecting their academic performance? Making a more focused action plan will be easier for you if you understand the root of the issue.

Remember that one of the most important things that we can do as a parent is to learn to be an active listener. If you want help on how to be an active listener with your kids – we’ve got the resources for you, so check them out. We’ve even got a checklist for you.

3. Create a study schedule

Setting up a regular study schedule for your child is one of the best ways to assist them in getting back on track. Give your child a set period of time each day to review their homework and prepare for upcoming tests and exams. They can stay organised and on top of their assignments by doing this.

Remember though, work on this collaboratively, particularly with your teenagers. There is nothing that get’s a hormone-ravaged teenager more angry than being told when they need to do what. They are trying to find their own identities at this age, and it won’t help to be telling them when they need to work, eat, or play during the day. That is a recipe for an argument right there.

4. Get extra help

If your child is having trouble in a particular subject, you might want to hire a tutor or enrol them in a study programme. Find a tutor who can help them with the specific subjects they’re struggling with, such as a GCSE maths tutor, for example. For kids who are having difficulty in school, this can give them individualised instruction and one-on-one attention, which can be very helpful. Many schools also provide students with free tutoring and help with their homework.

5. Encourage reading

One of the best ways to advance language and comprehension abilities, which are both crucial for academic success, is through reading. Support your child’s reading of a range of materials, including books, articles, and comics. Start from a young age too – perhaps even with our very own online kids bookclub. Reading will increase their general knowledge and understanding of the world around them as well as help them build their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

6. Keep an open dialogue

Keep the lines of communication with your child about their academic progress and assignments open. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and thoughts about school while demonstrating interest in their studies. By doing this, you’ll be able to comprehend their viewpoint more clearly and allay any worries they might have.

7. Be patient and supportive

For kids, falling behind in school can be a challenging and stressful experience. It’s crucial to be understanding and patient, as well as to encourage and support others. It’s important to keep in mind that falling behind in school is a common issue and that there are numerous resources available to assist your child in catching up. Your child can succeed academically by overcoming this challenge with the proper approach and support.

We really hope that you like this article – and it helps you if your child is falling behind at school. The idea is to help them, and also to reduce some of the worries that you have as well.

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Helen

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