Being a parent isn’t the easiest job. There is no manual to help guide us. When problems arise at school, it can become frustrating for both you and your child. Many times, children attempt to hide school issues from parents. This can happen from fear of getting in trouble, worrying about telling on others, and many more reason.
As parents, it is our job to pay attention to our children to try and catch abnormal behavior, whether small or big. If you are worried about your child’s recent behavior, here are symptoms your child may be having problems at school:
- A child who usually cooperates with adults suddenly begins to be disobedient at school. This is often the first indication of learning problems in preschool and kindergarten. It is typically not a child’s goal to annoy, disrespect, or frustrate you. They are trying to figure out how to be their own person and where they fit into the world and feel significant. The more you proactively give your child constructive ways to experience personal power, the more cooperative they will be. Point out your child’s successes and be sure to point out when they are improving.
- A child who usually gets along well with other children gets into fights at school, hurts other children, or takes their things. Your child could be having anger issues and is not sure how to handle it.
- Your child has trouble staying still or seated during class. Your child could be bored because they already know the material and just need something to challenge them. Another option is to talk to your teacher or doctor about getting them tested for ADHD. ADHD can easily be treated and worked with to help your child learn the best.
- Your child’s grades are dropping or have never been good. Your child could be what is referred to as a shut-down learner. They have become academically discouraged or disconnected from school over time. This could have many causes that add up to a shut-down learner (cracks in the foundation + time + lack of understanding + strained family communication).
- Your child does well in most subjects but suddenly is failing or struggling to keep up in a subject. This is often a sign that your child needs extra help in a certain subject. Try helping him more in the subject or consider a tudor.
- Your child complains of headaches, stomachaches or other physical problems at school or shortly after coming home from school. Your child frequently refuses to go to school or becomes very distressed about going to school. Try talking with your child about what is bothering them. Maybe they are getting bullied in school or are having trouble with a subject and don’t want to ask for help.
- Your child seems to have trouble remembering things or learning new things, or your child seems to learn well at home, but does poorly on tests at school. Another symptom with this is your child becomes quieter than usual, seems discouraged, or doesn’t seem to try at schoolwork any more. Consider talking to your child’s teacher and having them tested for learning disabilities.
If you are seeing these symptoms, speak with your child about what is going on to see if you can learn more about what is going on. Make sure to always remind your children that you are there whenever you need them, without fear of getting in trouble or getting others in trouble. At times, children feel they will get in trouble for things that many times they will not. If you have trouble getting answers from you child, reach out to their teacher(s) and dig for answers. Children cannot resolve these issues on their own, so try and find answers as soon as you can.
