How to Solve Your Child’s School Problems

When your child starts school or heads back to school, he is sure to encounter problems in school. I have two school going children ages 8 and 10 years old. Below are three familiar problems that I hear often from them now and again.

#1: “I don’t like my teacher!” She is mean!”

The right thing to do when your child complains on the above is to listen and ask questions. Your child might be venting and after doing so, he may feel better. You can also offer to talk to the teacher concerned later.

The above helps because you are building your child’s confidence by believing in his ability to rescue himself. You have also shown yourself to be a good sounding board and safety net.

#2: Your child is facing a big test or has a project due soon and unsure of what to do. “Mom/dad, please help I don’t know what to do!”

 

The right approach is to ask questions, listen and offer advice or assistance. Give your child guidance and support. Do not take over as this prevents the child from learning how to help himself. Taking over also means giving the child the message that he will fail without the parent’s help

Doing things himself means getting the satisfaction, pride and confidence of knowing he can do things for himself.

#3: “A group of students like to pick on me!”

As always, the best approach is to listen, ask questions and offer advice. Evaluate the situation whether it is serious and needs parental intervention or not. You can suggest talking to the students to work out any disagreement if needed. Otherwise, let your child handle the situation first and give it sometime to see if he can settle the problem himself.