Help. I think my child is struggling in school but they won’t talk to me

So many parents call me towards the end of year 10.

Panic in their voice.

“I don’t know what happened, she was so good at maths in year 7.”

“He just failed his mocks…he should be doing higher tier”.

Here’s what happened:

No study skills learnt in primary school.

Year 8 onwards, the maths gets hard - very hard.

Classwork and homework is not enough to keep up.

Add to this the hormone changes/puberty etc.

Trying to fit in with friends who maybe don’t study or also hate maths.

Of course its going to get messy.

Most students don’t talk to their parents about what’s really happening with their maths or any other subjects.

Most students hide in the classroom, dodge their teachers or mask and make everyone believe that everything is ok.

Deep inside they are struggling with anxiety and all kinds of mental health issues.

By the time they get to start GCSE Maths in year 10 or do their year 10 mocks, its usually too late to get the grade that they had the potential to achieve in year 7.

Yes, a gcse maths tutor can help at this stage, but even then, there are several issues that need to be resolved before actual studying can start.

Here’s what you need to do:

1: Create a safe space at home where they can talk to you without judgement or pressure

2: Let them take a time out if they need - forcing them to go to school will only make things worse

3: Let them take control of their learning and help them figure out a plan that works for them

This is going to seem scary at first, but young teenagers mostly want to be treated like adults and need some responsibility and accountability to grow.

4. Get outside help: an experienced tutor or mentor can make a massive difference here.

5. Work on your bond with your child. They need to know they are still loved and valued regardless of their academic achievements.

If you need help with this, get in touch.