Parents often wonder how to tell if their child may need extra help. Though every child is different, and every age is different, there are a few things to watch to see if your child needs extra help.
4 signs your child may need extra help
Sudden discomfort
Is your once happy and content student suddenly anxious talking about school? Not just a shift in the discussion where you feel like you’re pulling teeth trying to figure out what happened in school that day now that you have a middle schooler; your child has genuinely become uncomfortable discussing school.
This discomfort can manifest as:
- actual physical discomfort, such as fidgeting or avoiding eye contact.
- avoidance, such as an immediate and deliberate change of subject.
- irritation or aggression.
Some students have such a hard time that they get upset even discussing things related to school.
Grade decline
It is perfectly normal to have off-days and topics that just don’t click. A bad test grade or two is not always the best indicator that help is needed (it could be sleep-related, something outside of school, etc.) However, a steady decline in a class grade or grades should signify that something is wrong. If your child has dropped a letter grade or more and doesn’t seem to be on the upswing, it may be time to look into some outside assistance.
Key words
Listen to your child and their attitude when discussing school. What may once have been referred to as “fine” may now be “really hard.” Some students drop hints about not knowing what they’re doing or not wanting to raise their hand because they feel their question is “stupid.” These small additions to your conversations are signals your child is sending to communicate their struggle.
Trust your gut
You are their parent—you know them best. If you think something is wrong and they need help, then you are probably right. Have an open conversation with them and see where they are and how they feel.
Note: remember that you are the parent. Even us teachers get frustrated because we understand the content our children are learning, but for some reason just cannot help or tutor them. This is normal. A tutor is a professional who can come in and play a very particular role in your child’s life. They develop a different relationship of respect and communication with your child.
Do you think your child needs extra help? Contact us today.
Natalie Mangrum is the founder and CEO of Maryland Teacher Tutors. She is a reading specialist with a bachelors in elementary education and masters in education. As a parent to two young adults, and prior teacher, Natalie knows all too well the benefits of one-on-one tutoring and coaching for students. Her mission is to ensure that every aspect of MTT is done in a spirit of excellence! She enjoys alleviating the concerns of parents so they can breathe easy knowing their children are in good hands!