When It’s Not Just a “Rough Start”: Warning Signs to Watch for in the First Weeks of School
The first few weeks of school can be challenging for many students as they adjust to new routines, teachers, and classmates. However, sometimes these initial hurdles are more than just a “rough start” to the school year. Here are some warning signs that may indicate your child needs additional support:
They Already Dread Going to School
If your child is expressing significant dread or anxiety about attending school, it may be more than just first-day jitters. Reluctance to go to school can stem from underlying issues such as bullying, academic struggles, or social difficulties. It’s important to talk with your child and their teachers to understand the root cause of their dislike of school.
Persistent Struggles with Basic Routines
Adjusting to new school routines takes time, but if your child constantly struggles with basic tasks like waking up, getting dressed, or completing their morning routine, it could be a sign of deeper issues. Difficulty in maintaining routines can affect their overall school performance and well-being in and out of academic settings.
Your Kids Feel Overwhelmed or Are Asking to Withdraw from Certain Activities
Feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or extracurricular activities is common, but if your child frequently expresses a desire to withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed, it may indicate excess, unhealthy stress or frustration. This could be a sign that they are finding it hard to keep up with their peers or manage their workload, leading to anxiety, burnout, or other mental health concerns to keep an eye on.
They Come Home Exhausted Mentally, Emotionally, and Physically or Are Having Frequent Emotional Outbursts
Children who are consistently exhausted or have frequent emotional outbursts after school might be struggling to cope with the demands of their school day. Mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion can result from a variety of factors, including learning difficulties, social pressures, and unrecognized cognitive challenges. Kids with learning struggles often spend all day in fight, flight, or freeze mode—and that heightened stress takes a toll on the body and mind. Giving your kids stress management strategies as well as building their cognitive capacity can go a long way towards relieving some of this burden that they’re carrying.
Read More: Stressed by Learning: How Learning Struggles Hijack the Brain >>
Homework Time Feels Like Groundhog Day
If homework time is a daily battle and your child seems to be stuck in a repetitive cycle of confusion and frustration, it might be a sign that they are not fully grasping the material. Whether it’s looking at something like they’ve never seen it before, forgetting what they’re supposed to be doing, or needing you to reteach concepts several times, repeatedly struggling with the same homework tasks can indicate underlying learning difficulties that need to be addressed.
They’ve Lost Reading or Math Progress During the Summer
A certain amount of summer learning loss is normal, but significant regression in reading or math skills can be a red flag. If your child has lost considerable progress over the summer, they may require additional help to catch up and stay on track with their peers.
By being vigilant and recognizing these warning signs early, you can take proactive steps to support your child’s learning and emotional well-being. At LearningRx Harrisonburg, we offer personalized programs designed to address cognitive challenges and help students thrive academically. If you’re concerned about your child’s start to the school year, reach out to us for a consultation.
