While some might fondly look back at their childhood experiences with school, many more regard it as one of the most difficult times in their lives. In school, children face pressure not only to perform academically but also to conform socially. Close contact with peers exposes them to other ideas and ways of life that may be unfamiliar to them. Academic pressure is a source of stress, anxiety, and even shame. On top of that, children are forced to wrestle with the physiological changes associated with puberty; mood swings, developing sexuality, and social conflict.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about some of the challenges your children may face at school—and how to overcome them.
Table of Contents
Academic Challenges
There are a variety of academic challenges children face in school. Every child learns differently and has a different capacity for the structure and rigor of school. In addition, exposure to classroom learning is often when learning differences are first noted among children. Often, it’s educators who first note dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, for example.
It isn’t until most children enter school that they compare themselves to their peers. Being outperformed by peers may lead them to feel insecure about or ashamed of their abilities. Even for high-performing students, academic pressure may cause elevated stress or anxiety.
Managing Academic Challenges
In order to help your child manage the academic challenges they’re facing, it’s important to set realistic expectations and leverage support resources. Early diagnosis and support are especially critical for children with learning differences. Engaging with a support program helps remind children that being different doesn’t mean they’re broken, or alone. In addition, support programs for learning differences teach children strategies and techniques that can help them excel academically.
For kids who are struggling to cope with academic pressure, it’s critical that parents and teachers set realistic expectations. Some kids need to be reminded that their self-worth isn’t reliant on their GPA and that impossibly high standards often result in emotional distress.
Parents of children in school should work to ensure their children know they’re loved no matter what, and encourage them to be open about their difficulties without resorting fear of punishment.
Social Conflict
Children undergo tremendous physiological challenges throughout their time in school. The emotional changes associated with puberty often result in mood swings, irritability, and bouts of depression or sadness. Under those circumstances, it should come as no surprise that putting so many children together under a single roof is something of a pressure cooker.
As children progress from elementary school through high school, they’re likely to encounter challenges such as bullying and a sense of social isolation.
Managing Social Conflict
It’s important to foster open communication and remain in tune with things happening in your child’s social life. You might not be able to follow or understand all the drama, but they need to have a space to process that kind of social upheaval safely. Guidance counselors and therapists can help with this, but there’s no substitute for a strong bond between parent and child. Remember, it’s important your child feels comfortable coming to you, even with sensitive topics. Your job is not necessarily to fix their problems, but to help guide them to the right resources, and to listen intently.
As a parent, you can also help your child by making sure they have opportunities for success.
- Social engagement \ hobbies outside of school.
- Friendships that are backed by close bonds between parents.
- Grow confidence through athletic engagement.
- Model & teach healthy friendships \ boundaries.
Getting Support
Unfortunately, navigating school has only gotten more complicated over the years. As a parent, it can be difficult to have an objective perspective on your own child. What’s more, those stormy hormones may make it hard to have productive conversations. If your child is struggling at school, and you aren’t sure how to help them, reach out today to schedule a free consultation for child therapy. Together, we can make a plan that works for you.
