How to Help a Child Struggling in School

What are the Causes?

There are no two kids exactly alike. Some are naturally gifted, some take more time to get better in new subjects. Even though kids are all different, the curriculum is the same for everyone. It moves at its pace, no matter if a student is ready or not. That’s why some students find it hard to keep up with it.

At the British International School (BIS), we believe that challenges don’t just influence a student struggling in school, but their parents, too. We work hand in hand with families and give them a comprehensive approach to education

Why do students struggle in school? All the reasons can be divided into four groups:

1. Performance-Related Reasons

• Gaps in knowledge can prevent a kid from making progress in a subject.
• One can have better skills in reading but struggle with math, or vice versa.
• Conditions like dyslexia or ADHD.
• Every child learns at their speed. Some need more time, some memorise new concepts faster.

How the BIS helps: We create a personalised plan for your child, just for them, that will help them grow and develop to their full potential. We set a starting point for your child's learning journey and track their progress at every step. All parents get a performance review so they know how their child is doing.

We also offer one-to-one assistance and individual home tasks (if necessary), so students can catch up and nobody gets left behind.

2. Emotional Factor

• Anxiety or fear of failure before tests and exams can prevent students from performing at their best.
• Children who doubt their abilities are less likely to succeed.

How the BIS helps: Our teachers are well-trained specialists who motivate and care about each of our students. To help your child feel as prepared as possible, we also organise mock exams. And if you need a helping hand, our school psychologist is always there for you.

3. Social Factor

For example:

• Bullying.
• Feeling isolated can affect a student’s mood and communication.

How the BIS helps: We offer a close-knit community and support an inclusive and respectful atmosphere. We support anti-bullying initiatives, tutoring, peer support programmes, and after-school clubs to make sure everyone feels valued.

4. Developmental Issues

• Delayed language development.
• Sensory difficulties.
• Little attention span.

How the BIS helps: Our teachers apply different teaching techniques to meet the diverse needs of our students.

How can you identify academic challenges?

Here is what you can do before you talk to your child.

Watch for Changes

Don’t expect your kids to come to you and say, “I’m having a hard time.” Instead, they show it in subtle ways:

- A child can start to avoid doing homework.

- They seem more upset or anxious when school comes up in conversation.

- Changes in behavior.

Keep the Communication with School

Make it a habit to talk to teachers regularly. Share what changes you’ve noticed at home, and ask for their point of view. Together, you can figure out any struggles and find ways to support your child.

Be a Supportive Listener

You can try to ask open questions like, “How have classes been lately?” and listen to their answers without interrupting. It’s not always easy for anyone to open up, so do your best to create a supportive place.

What Else Can Parents Do?

4 simple tips on how to help a child struggling academically.

Establish a Routine

You can create a daily schedule that balances homework, breaks, and free time can make life so much easier for them (and you). Plus, knowing what to expect each day helps reduce stress and improves focus.

Set Up a Study Space

Help your child create a little cozy study place with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and all the supplies they need.

Praise their Effort

Celebrate every effort your child puts in, not only the results. No matter if they do great on a test or not, try to highlight that they’re trying. When children feel that their work is noticed, they feel more motivated.

Use Online Resources

Try different interactive platforms like Kahoot! and Quizlet. They make learning more fun and help kids revise what they learn in class. For example, Quizlet’s flashcards can be a good assistant when a kid needs to memorize facts and dates.

How to Help a Teenager Struggling in School?

Keep the Communication Open

Remind your teen that you’re always there for them and are ready to listen. Sometimes, that’s all they need to comfortably share their struggles.

Inspire their Independence

Support them to set their own study goals and come up with a plan. You can guide them, but let them take the lead and decide for themselves. It builds confidence and responsibility.

Help Them Fight Stress

If your child seems anxious, suggest healthy ways to de-stress:

• going for a jog,
• listening to music,
• doing sports,
• hanging out with friends.

And if things get complicated, feel free to contact a school teacher or psychologist.

My child is really struggling in school. When Should I Ask for Help?

How do you know when it’s time to get extra help? Here are a few signs:

When Your Child’s Struggles Persist

If your kid has a rough week or two, it's all-natural. But if those challenges persist for months, you need to reach out to someone who can help.

When You’re Worried About Their Well-being

If you notice signs of anxiety or stress, talking to a professional is a smart step to do, since these feelings can seriously impact a child’s ability to learn.

When They Face Bullying or Social Isolation

If you suspect this might be happening, step in right away. Talk to their teachers or even the headteacher. Together, you can find a plan to solve the issue and create a safer, more supportive environment.

Every kid’s journey is different, and sometimes the road can be challenging. If you team up with your teachers, find the causes of the problem, and apply strategies into action, you can help your child grow and build the confidence they need.