Help! My Child Is Struggling at School – What Can I Do?

Struggling with your child's school performance? Discover practical steps and resources to help them overcome challenges. From psycho-educational assessments to valuable learning support, get the guidance you need to support your child's educational journey.

Many South African parents feel overwhelmed when their child struggles at school. Whether it’s reading difficulties, attention problems, or emotional distress, these challenges can affect a child’s confidence and progress. The good news is that support is available! This article will help you understand why your child may be struggling and provide practical steps to support their learning journey.

1. Common Reasons Why Children Struggle in School

In South Africa, children face a variety of learning challenges. Here are some of the most common:

• Academic Challenges: Struggles with reading, writing, or maths, often due to undiagnosed learning difficulties like dyslexia or dyscalculia.

• Language Barriers: Many children learn in a language different from the one spoken at home, which can impact comprehension and confidence.

• Attention and Learning Differences: Conditions like ADHD, slow processing speed, or executive functioning difficulties can make learning harder.

• Emotional and Social Difficulties: Bullying, anxiety, or difficulties making friends can affect concentration and motivation.

• Gaps in the Education System: Large class sizes, limited resources, and differences in teaching quality can contribute to learning struggles.

• Home and Environmental Factors: Changes at home, such as divorce, financial stress, or family illness, can impact a child’s emotional well-being.

  
  

2. Signs That Your Child May Be Struggling

Parents should look out for these warning signs:

✅ Refusing to go to school or frequently complaining about headaches or stomach aches.

✅ Declining grades or repeated feedback from teachers about poor performance.

✅Avoiding homework or taking an unusually long time to complete tasks.

✅ Acting out at school or becoming withdrawn and unmotivated.

✅ Struggling to follow instructions or remember what was taught in class.

3. What Can Parents Do to Help?

🔹 Talk to Your Child

• Create a safe space for your child to express their frustrations.

• Ask open-ended questions like: “What’s the hardest part about school for you?”

• Reassure them that mistakes are part of learning.

  
  

🔹 Speak to the Teacher

• Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss concerns.

• Ask about classroom observations and whether additional support is available.

  
  

🔹 Consider a Psycho-Educational Assessment

An educational psychologist can assess your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and any learning difficulties. In South Africa, assessments can also help determine eligibility for school accommodations or placement in remedial programs.

🔹 Provide Support at Home

• Set a structured homework routine: A quiet space and a consistent schedule can improve focus.

• Encourage a growth mindset: Praise effort, not just results.

• Use learning resources: Websites like Siyavula provide free learning materials for maths and science that align with the CAPS curriculum.

• Explore extra support: Tutoring services, study groups, or school remedial programs can be helpful.

  
  

🔹 Seek Professional Help if Needed

If your child has persistent difficulties, consider consulting:

👩‍⚕️ An educational psychologist for learning assessments and strategies.

📚 A tutor or learning support teacher for subject-specific help.

🧩 A speech or occupational therapist if motor skills or speech delays are affecting learning.

4. Useful Learning Support Resources

Here are some additional South African learning resources to support your child’s education:

• Siyavula Offers free, CAPS-aligned textbooks for maths and science from Grade 4 to Grade 12.

• Teach Me 2 Provides personalized tutoring for all subjects, with a focus on CAPS-based learning.

• Khan Academy South Africa While not entirely CAPS-based, Khan Academy offers valuable free resources, particularly in mathematics and sciences, that complement the South African curriculum.

  
  
  
  

5. How Can Schools Help?

South African schools have different levels of support available, depending on resources. If your child’s school does not have learning support, you can:

• Ask if they offer remedial classes.

• Find out if they can refer your child to a school-based Educational Psychologist or a Department of Education specialist.

• Consider applying to a school that caters to children with learning difficulties (such as remedial or special-needs schools).

  
  

Conclusion

If your child is struggling at school, don’t panic—many children face learning challenges, and with the right support, they can thrive! Early intervention is key, so keep communication open with your child and their school and seek professional guidance when needed.

💡 Need Help? As an educational psychologist based in Blackheath, I specialize in psycho-educational assessments and learning support, feel free to reach out for guidance!