My child is struggling at school – what now?

Watching your child struggle at school can be heart-wrenching. Whether it’s slipping grades, reluctance to go to school, or changes in behaviour, it’s natural for parents to worry. In this blog, we’ll explore some behavioural indicators that might suggest your child is struggling, discuss how to distinguish between typical adjustment challenges and more serious concerns, and offer guidance on when to seek professional help. 

Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling 

Children often express their difficulties through their behaviour. While every child is different, some common signs might indicate your child is having a hard time at school: 

• Frequent Complaints of Illness: If your child often complains of headaches, stomach aches, or feeling unwell without a clear medical cause, this could be anxiety or stress manifesting physically. 

• Avoidance Behaviour: Reluctance to go to school, feigning illness, or dragging their feet in the morning can be red flags. 

• Changes in Mood: Noticeable shifts in mood, such as increased irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from family activities, can be signs of distress. 

• Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or waking up unusually early can be linked to anxiety about school. 

• Declining Academic Performance: A sudden drop in grades or school performance can indicate your child is struggling to keep up, possibly due to underlying issues. 

• Social Withdrawal: If your child is avoiding friends, or their friendships seem to be changing rapidly, it might be worth exploring why. 

• Regression: Returning to earlier behaviours, such as bedwetting or clinginess, can sometimes signal emotional stress. 

These indicators don’t always mean there’s a serious problem, but they do suggest your child might need some extra support. 

Adjustment Challenges vs. Underlying Issues 

Every child will experience challenges adjusting to new situations, whether it’s starting a new school, dealing with a change at home, or facing social pressures. Typically, adjustment issues are temporary and improve as your child becomes more comfortable and confident. However, if difficulties persist, it might be time to consider whether something more significant is at play. 

When It’s Likely Adjustment 

• Short-Term Duration: If the challenging behaviour has only been occurring for a few weeks and coincides with a noticeable change (like a new school year), it may be adjustment-related. 

• Gradual Improvement: Over time, as routines become familiar, most children will find their footing again. 

• Situational Behaviour: If your child seems happy and well-adjusted outside of school but struggles only in school-related contexts, it might be situational anxiety. 

When It Could Be Something More 

• Persistent Symptoms: If signs of distress continue for more than a couple of months without improvement, it could indicate something deeper. 

• Impact Across Settings: If your child shows signs of struggle at home, in social situations, and at school, it might be a broader issue. 

• Developmental Concerns: Challenges with reading, writing, speaking, or motor skills might point to developmental delays or learning disorders. 

• Sensory Issues: If your child seems unusually sensitive to noise, light, textures, or crowds, it could indicate sensory processing challenges often associated with neurodivergence. 

Understanding Potential Underlying Issues 

Children who face ongoing struggles at school might be dealing with a range of challenges. Some common underlying issues include: 

• Neurodivergence: Conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or dyslexia can make typical school environments difficult to navigate without the right support. 

• Developmental Delays: Speech and language delays, motor skill challenges, and other developmental issues can affect a child’s ability to participate fully in classroom activities. 

• Vision or Hearing Problems: Sometimes, a simple hearing or vision issue can be the root cause. If a child can’t see the board or hear the teacher clearly, they’re likely to disengage or act out. 

• Emotional or Psychological Challenges: Anxiety, depression, or trauma can deeply impact a child’s school life. While these issues can be harder to spot, they’re equally important to address. 

When to Seek Help 

Knowing when to reach out for professional help can be challenging. As a general rule, consider seeking advice if: 

• Your child’s struggles have been ongoing for more than six weeks. 

• You’ve noticed your child’s difficulties are worsening over time. 

• Their behaviour is impacting their daily life, including relationships and self-esteem. 

• You feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help. 

Starting with your child’s teacher can be a helpful first step. Teachers can offer insights into how your child is coping in the school environment and might suggest resources or adjustments that can be made within the classroom. 

Additionally, consulting your GP or a paediatrician can help rule out medical concerns such as vision or hearing issues. If necessary, they can refer you to specialists like child psychologists, speech therapists, or occupational therapists. 

Supporting Your Child 

While you’re navigating this process, there are ways you can support your child at home: 

• Open Communication: Let your child know it’s okay to talk about their feelings. Listening without judgement can provide them with the comfort they need. 

• Routine and Consistency: Children thrive on routine. Keeping consistent bedtime, meal times, and homework routines can provide a sense of stability. 

• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child’s efforts, not just their achievements. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence. 

• Promote Relaxation: Encourage activities that help them unwind, whether it’s reading, drawing, playing outside, or mindfulness exercises. 

• Stay Connected: Regularly touch base with your child’s teachers and any professionals involved in their care. A team approach can make a significant difference. 

It’s natural to feel concerned when your child struggles at school. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are plenty of resources and professionals available to help you navigate this journey. Early intervention can make a world of difference, so trust your instincts and reach out if something feels off. 

By staying observant, providing support, and seeking help when necessary, you can empower your child to overcome challenges and thrive both in and out of the classroom. 

Helensvale: (07) 5551 0251 

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Disclaimer: Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only and is not intended to replace advise from your doctor or registered health professional. Readers are urged to consult their registered practitioner for diagnosis and treatment for their medical concerns.