Watching your child struggle in school can be heartbreaking. Whether they’re overwhelmed by their workload, grappling with disorganization, or feeling defeated by poor performance, you want to step in and help—but it’s hard to know where to start.
As a parent, it’s important to remember that you’re not a professional educator, educational coach, or therapist, and you don’t have to have all the answers. Supporting your struggling student is about doing what you can at home while knowing when to seek additional help.
Here are actionable steps to support your child and set them up for success.
Recognize the Signs of Struggle
The first step in supporting your students is recognizing when they’re struggling. Academic challenges can manifest in many ways, including:
- Falling grades or incomplete assignments
- Frequent frustration or meltdowns during homework
- Difficulty staying organized or meeting deadlines
- Procrastination or avoiding schoolwork altogether
- Changes in attitude, behavior, or confidence
If these patterns sound familiar, it’s time to look closer and start addressing the root causes.
Test for Neurodiversity
Many students who struggle in school may have underlying challenges, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences. Identifying these issues early can provide clarity and allow you to access tailored support.
- Speak to a specialist: Schedule a consultation with a psychologist, pediatrician, or educational diagnostician to discuss testing options.
- Ask your school for support: Many schools offer evaluations through their special education departments.
- Normalize the conversation: Explain to your students that testing is not a judgment but a tool to help them learn in the way that works best for them.
Understanding your child’s unique brain can empower them and help you advocate for the accommodations they need.
Create Structure and Routine
Struggling students often thrive in environments with clear structure. Establishing consistent routines can make daily tasks feel more manageable.
- Set a dedicated homework time and space: Choose a quiet, clutter-free study area, and make homework part of the daily schedule.
- Break tasks into smaller steps: Help your student break down large projects or assignments into manageable chunks to reduce overwhelm.
- Use visual aids: Calendars, planners, and checklists can help them track deadlines and prioritize tasks.
Teach Time Management Skills
Time management is one of the most critical skills for academic success, and it’s often an area where struggling students fall behind.
- Introduce time-blocking: Show them how to divide their day into dedicated blocks for schoolwork, activities, and downtime.
- Use timers for focus: Tools like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) can help them stay productive without burning out.
- Model good habits: Share how you prioritize and manage your time, and encourage them to do the same.
Support Their Emotional Well-Being
Struggling academically can damage a student’s confidence and mental health. Helping them build resilience and emotional regulation is key.
- Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge their progress, no matter how minor, to build their self-esteem.
- Encourage open communication: Let them discuss their frustrations without fear of judgment.
- Teach coping strategies: Introduce mindfulness techniques or stress-reduction practices like deep breathing, journaling, or physical activity.
Work With Their Teachers
You don’t have to figure everything out independently—your child’s teachers are valuable allies in understanding their needs.
- Schedule regular check-ins: Meet with their teachers to discuss challenges, progress, and strategies working in the classroom.
- Advocate for accommodations: If your student has a diagnosed learning difference, request a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to ensure they receive the support they need.
- Be collaborative: Share what’s working at home and ask for input on what they see at school.
Explore Executive Function Coaching
Executive function skills—time management, organization, and task initiation—are essential for academic success. If your student struggles in these areas, executive function coaching could be a game-changer.
- What coaching provides: A coach works one-on-one with your students to develop personalized strategies for managing their workload, staying organized, and building confidence.
- Not just for neurodivergent students: While these skills are often associated with ADHD, they’re beneficial for all students.
- The impact: Coaching can transform academic performance and their ability to navigate challenges independently.
Know When to Seek Professional Help
You can do a lot as a parent—but you’re not a professional. If your efforts aren’t making a significant impact, or if your child’s struggles are affecting their mental health, it’s time to bring in outside support.
- Educational therapists: Provide personalized learning strategies and support.
- Tutors: Focus on specific academic subjects where your student needs to catch up.
- Therapists or counselors: Address anxiety, stress, or other emotional challenges related to academics.
Seeking help isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a proactive step toward giving your child the resources they need to succeed.
Be Patient and Supportive
Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Supporting a struggling student is a journey that requires patience, empathy, and persistence.
- Avoid comparisons: Every child’s path is unique, and comparing them to siblings or peers can be damaging.
- Focus on effort, not outcomes: Praise their hard work rather than just the results.
- Be their cheerleader: Remind them that you’re in their corner and believe in their ability to overcome challenges.
Supporting Your Student Takes a Village
Supporting a struggling student at home is about creating structure, encouraging self-awareness, and seeking the right resources when needed. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. It’s okay to lean on professionals like educational coaches, tutors, or therapists to give your child the best chance at success.
Your role as a parent is not to fix everything but to provide guidance, love, and a network of support that helps your student thrive.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s have a discovery call and discuss how educational coaching can give your students the tools they need to succeed.