An Open Letter To Moms :: When Your Child Struggles In School
To the mom of children who struggle in school ::
I see you. From experience, today was probably another hard day.
Maybe you got a dreaded phone call from school, where the administration suggested another meeting. Perhaps it is a note about your child’s behavior written out professionally, but you can feel the frustration behind it.
Maybe it is the judgment you felt from another parent when you mention your child’s name. Maybe the graded test papers were sent home with red all over. Perhaps it was the lack of positive reinforcement at school, the lack of a positive note of accomplishment in your child’s book sack.
No matter the reason, today was rough. You deserve to be told and genuinely believe that though your child is having difficulty in school, you are a wonderful, kick-ass mom!
I know what it is like to watch your child struggle and know that something is not “right.” My husband and I have shed many tears and done lots of research on the best way to advocate for our children.
When you have a child who has a hard time in school, you will get lots of advice. People will suggest a change in diet, becoming stricter and having harsher consequences, limiting screen time, or just putting them to bed earlier.
While I will leave the extensive advice on school resources to the professionals, here is my list of things that are very important for you to hear as a mom if you are in a similar situation:
Your child is more than their school issues.
Do not let others label your child as just a “challenging student.” Yes, they struggle, but they are compassionate, full of love, and unique children who happen to need a little extra help.
You are your child’s most powerful cheerleader.
Keep records, ask questions, and demand every accommodation your child needs to succeed. Continue to be your child’s most influential advocate.
School struggles are not a reflection of your parenting.
You are doing an AMAZING job. You know your child best and are highly involved. Parenting is hard, and at the end of the day, if everything you do for your child is out of love and care, you are doing a good job.
