Show of hands; who would agree that school can be stressful for both kids and parents? I doubt there are many hands not raised! You might be wondering how we as parents can help our children make it through difficult school trials. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Mom’s Tribute, a top blog about parenting, we are happy to dish out some hearty counsel.

I have worked in a school setting for nearly two decades. This means I can tell you from experience that school problems come in many forms. Is your child facing stress at home that’s translating into trouble at school? Maybe they’re being bullied, or it could be you worry your child has a legitimate learning disability. Let’s comb through these issues and see how you might be able to help your kiddos navigate the tricky waters of school stress.

At-Home Stress

Lots of kids struggle in school each day because of stress that originates at home. At times, this is through no fault of the parents. As busy working moms we know that things happen. Plans don’t go as…well, planned.

Putting aside random or temporary distractions, if you’ve noticed simple bad habits forming then it is probably time to make some changes around your home. Limiting electronics during the school year, especially for young kids and teens, can generally be extremely advantageous for students.

Breakfast (or the lack of it) is another common culprit of trouble at school for students. Offering a breakfast full of protein, B vitamins, and other healthy nutrients sets them up for a great morning of learning.

In my own household, breakfast is often a battle. My kids wake up early to get to school, and they often aren’t yet hungry. What’s a mom to do? We have a rule in our house that no one leaves without eating and drinking something that’s at least somewhat nutritious. Sometimes that means an apple and a cup of water. Other times it might be peanut butter toast and apple juice. The point is, while we win some and lose some, overall, I try to keep a consistent breakfast routine.

These are examples of simple changes that might be necessary in your home. If other stressors which are truly major family problems are affecting your kids’ school days, it might be wise to speak to your child’s school to make them aware. Your best point of contact will likely be your child’s teacher or principal. Letting them know will allow them to discreetly adjust things for your child which can help your child in the long run.

Bullies At School

If your child is being bullied at school, you might be asking, “What can I do?” Bullying has always been a problem, but in today’s social media society it seems that the problem has escalated. No longer do kids face embarrassment from a handful of people. Now a video of their misfortune might go around the world.

No matter the type of bullying or the extent, helping your child cope with this can be tough. Obvious steps such as encouraging your child to ignore mean people should always be taken. If the problem persists, it can be helpful to enroll your child in activities which promote self-defense or boost self-confidence. In fact, studies show that people who lack self-confidence are a bully’s number one target. This is because they are the least likely to fight back.

However, when true bullying is taking place, more than confidence-boosting measures might need to happen. You can speak with your child’s teacher to gain insight into both sides of the story. In worst-case scenarios, you might need to remove your child from the situation all together. This can be a difficult and painful choice, and it shouldn’t be made lightly.

Assessing Learning Disabilities

If your child is suffering in their learning at school, and you’ve already ruled out home stress and bullying, you may fear a learning disability. If this is something that’s got you stressing this school year, there are a few steps you can take.

First, speak with your child’s teacher. Communication is key, and your child’s teacher may have valuable insight. You can also speak with your child’s doctor. Your pediatrician can give you tips and guidance to help in most situations. Many parents worry about medication, but this isn’t necessarily a go-to treatment. Sometimes a child simply needs an adjustment of routines and procedures to help them along, and both your child’s teacher and doctor can make recommendations.

Helping our kids with school stress is a part of parenting today. While it is certainly stressful for us as parents, it doesn’t have to stay that way! So many resources are available to help busy working moms like us. Let’s work together and get our kids the strong educational foundation they deserve!

Katie C