How to Help Your Child Face Challenges at School

It’s never fun to see your child dealing with challenges at school.

While you can’t necessarily fix everything for them, there are things you can do to help them cope.

By encouraging them with a few simple strategies, you can help them face challenges at school and make the most of the year ahead. 

With that in mind, let’s cover a few of those ideas so you can start discussing them with your child now. 

1. Show Your Support

Your child should know they can lean on you for support, no matter what.

Communicate with them regularly about their feelings, and let them know they can come to you with any challenges they might experience at school. 

• As kids get older, they might be less likely to open up.

• Encourage them to continue to express themselves, and provide a safe space at home to work through challenges.

Doing so will boost your child’s communication skills and can help with emotional regulation, problem-solving, and self-confidence. 

2. Work With the School

If your child has faced challenges at school in the past, consider reaching out to administrators and teachers now or setting up meetings throughout the year.

• The school should be an ally, not an adversary.

• It’s up to parents and school systems to work together for the best of every child.

Working with your child’s school now will help ensure everyone is on the same page.

If new challenges arise, you can work as a united front to help your child overcome them while they’re in school for the day and home in the evening. 

3. Set Them Up for Success

Establishing routines and encouraging healthy habits can make a big difference in how your child feels each day.

• Things like nighttime routines ensure your child gets enough sleep and won’t feel tired at school.

• Proper nutrition, stress-reduction techniques, and physical activity can all boost their physical and mental well-being.

When your child feels their best, they will likely do their best.

Self-care practices can improve their self-esteem and make it easier for them to stay calm in challenging situations.

You’ll still be there to support and encourage them. But, they’ll be better equipped to work through things by themselves, too. That can build resiliency as they get older. 

4. Continue the Conversation

Your child might not openly want to talk about the challenges they’re facing in school.

Even if you have a conversation about how they can handle things at the beginning of the year, don’t assume that’s always enough.

Instead, encourage open conversation at home every day. Your child should feel like their home is a safe space, and the people in it are advocates they can lean on.

If your child seems to be struggling, it’s often worth it to have them work with a mental health professional.

Therapy can help your child better understand their own emotions.

• A therapist will help them develop healthy strategies to manage their mental health, even in the face of difficulties.

Therapy is also a great way to teach your child about prioritizing their mental well-being. That’s another characteristic they will take with them into adulthood.

• It’s never a bad idea to start talking to your child about the challenges they might face in school and how they can overcome them with your help and support.

Feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment, and we’ll work together to ensure your child knows how to prioritize their well-being this year and beyond.