Every parent wants their child to perform well in school; that is only natural. Yet, many can fall behind for various reasons, which can impact their overall education, confidence, and career opportunities.
While your son or daughter’s poor performance could stem from a difficulty understanding a concept, other factors could influence their education. Here are four possible reasons why your child struggles at school.
A Learning Difficulty
Many children can have a normal IQ but still live with a learning difficulty, which will make some types of learning a challenge. For example, your child could struggle with nonverbal communication, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you suspect that your child may have a learning difficulty, a simple test can identify their potential condition.
A Different Learning Style
While some children can absorb significant information using pencil and paper, others might enjoy greater success through alternative teaching styles. If your child struggles to grasp concepts sitting in a classroom with a textbook, look for ways to boost their knowledge and understanding. For example, there are various educational games for kids that can support learning, such as language, health, physical education, and mathematics games, to name a few options.
Bullying
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), one in five children between the ages of 10 to 15 years old in England experienced at least one type of cyberbullying in 2020. Plus, three out of four children who reported cyberbullying stated they experienced some bullying during school.
If you suspect your child is being bullied in school and/or online, you must talk to them about their peers and social media interactions. Also, you must monitor their online usage and look for signs of bullying, such as emotional outbursts, difficulty sleeping, and a loss of interest in school.
A Mental Health Disorder
Mental health disorders cannot only affect adults. A recent survey discovered that 1 in 9 children live with a mental health disorder, such as an emotional, behavioural, or hyperactive condition. The same survey found an increase in emotional disorders among children, as they increased from 3.9% in 2004 to 5.8% in 2017.
An emotional, behavioural, or hyperactive disorder cannot only affect a child’s general happiness, but it could impact their education and career opportunities. It is essential to discuss a possible mental health disorder with your son or daughter, as they could be living with depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or conduct disorder. Also, you must seek professional help for your child, as they could improve their mental wellbeing with counselling, prescription medication, or peer support.
Conclusion
Encourage your child to talk to you about a potential problem. Also, listen carefully to their feelings and respond thoughtfully. Try not to project your thoughts onto your child, as this may prevent them from discussing their emotions or problems with you. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to their teacher about how your child can receive greater support at home and in the classroom.
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