4 strategies when your student has a hard time in school
Does this describe you and your child’s current situation?
Your kid is having a hard time at school. You don’t know what to do about it or even where to start. Your kid is starting to dislike school or even getting behind on classwork. Maybe they are having behavioral issues or are even refusing to go to class.
What can a parent do to help their child at school?
Here are a four options to consider - two for students, and two for parents just like you:
Tutoring
Working directly with students, tutors are a great choice if your child needs content related help. Are they missing key math concepts or need help with learning to read? Tutors will meet individually with your student (either in person or online), help them catch up with concepts or specific assignments, and help them meet a specific goal around schoolwork.
Pros: individualized adaptable help. Specialized subject expertise and working directly with your student.
Cons: It’s expensive and can be hard to find. Good tutors are often very busy so finding someone who has a time slot that works is tough. Tutors may not be available for the exact needs your student has.
Extra tips to find tutoring: See if your school has tutoring services available. Find another student who could help out either informally or as part of a program at school. Identify a fellow classmate who is well-versed in what your child is needing and ask them to help out.
Online Learning Platforms & Resources
For small things, online learning platforms can fill a very specific need. Need help understanding a specific math concept? Online programs and spaces like Kahn Academy or even YouTube can be perfect. An online search might yield research help for an essay or identify a video that easily explains a science concept. Quick, efficient, easy to understand.
Pros: Flexibility to watch/learn when and how works for you, wide range of subjects, usually free or low-cost.
Cons: Not personalized at all so may not meet a unique need and can be pretty surface-level. Your student needs to be motivated (or have help from you) to make the most of this help and not get distracted. Plus, after a day at school, it’s a lot to add more computer time.
Support Groups
If you know your student has a specific kind of need or challenge, there’s likely a support group out there to help you navigate it. Either online via zoom (or even Facebook), or in person, support groups can be a great way to create community. Does your child have ADHD or Dyslexia or a mental health challenge? There are support groups specifically designed for parents like you.
Pros: Great source of emotional support for parents. Can be guided by experienced parents or professionals. A space to vent, find ideas and resources that can be very validating.
Cons: Can be hard to find time to attend (especially if it’s in person). If your child is young, you may need childcare to participate. If there’s nothing in your area, finding an accessible group may mean you’re limited to online options where you won’t meet people locally. May not meet your unique needs.
Parent Coaching
Parents need help too! Even though they aren’t working directly with students, parent coaches help parents get the information, resources and support they need to help their kids. And that can have a tremendous impact on how their kids do in school and at home.
Pros: Expert advice tailored to your specific needs. Focus on strategy and finding resources and information that is exactly what you need most. Valuable support and validation plus accountability to keep moving forward to get the results you want.
Cons: There are costs and of course it’s a time commitment, but can be a great value in getting you exactly what you need to make a difference on a short timeline. No more wondering what to do or trying things that don’t work.
There they are - four strategies to try. Depending on budget, time availability, and your needs, I hope one of these fits the bill to help your child shine at school.
I provide individualized 1:1 parent support so if you’re interested in getting out of the current school challenge rut, I’m here to help. Sign up for a 30 minute, no obligation call today and let’s chat about how parent coaching can make the difference for you and your child in their academic journey.
