by Breezycycle

Created on: July 15, 2009   Last Updated: January 16, 2012

Children can learn  how to deal with problems and issues relating to school. Problems and issues seem to be inevitable in today's pressured society, but there are ways parents can help their children  identify problems, resolve issues, increase confidence, and reduce stress related to school.

Children who return home from school less stressed reduce the strain on their parents and other family members. Parents must be able to evaluate their child's mood or behaviors in very little time. Then they must be able to connect with their children to determine if a problem is the result of a child's simply being tired or whether their child's behavior is a product of an event or situation that needs the adult's attention.

Potentially stressful situations are usually in one or more of  the following areas: social and peer-related,academic worries, and family concerns

Social and peer-related-

School-related problems can start at the bus stop, continue on the ride to school, and keep up through the child's day. You can help your child handle his or her day by talking about what things are in their control and which are beyond their control and require adult help. Social situations, jealousy, teasing, etc are all emotions that children must manage whether they are at school or are playing with friends in the own backyard. Head those off by telling them how to handle these situations. Talk to your children about who is their friend and who is not. Describe situations in which they should stand up for themselves and when to walk away.

Academic worries-

Worrying can impact academics, but if the issue is the subject matter itself, children need the support of parents and teachers. Children need to be taught how to be organized, how to work within a routine or structure, and when and especially how to ask for help from their teachers. Doing these things for them is only appropriate for very young children. Remember that organization, routine, and asking for help are all things that don't come easily to some children and that you may have to approach these needs as skills that must be taught.

Family concerns-

Your child's worry about his family  may be completely unfounded. There may be absolutely nothing for them to worry about. On the other hand, perhaps there are situations, though temporary, that may have them worried and feeling stress. Try to be aware of how marital discussions, remarks about money and bills, arguing, or parental absences or lifestyle might be worrying a child unnecessarily. Be available to talk to your child if his or her responses  indicate that he or she is affected by stress.

Overall, staying tuned-in to your child or teen is vital to understand what he or she might be going through. Teaching a child how to solve problems and deal with other people is as important as anything else you can teach your child. The more you know your child and what his or her school day is like, the better you can help your child manage the problems they face at school.

Talking about the situation may be all that is needed. Reassuring a child can go a long way in supporting a child through a difficult day or situation. Contacting a school counselor can be very helpful in getting to the root of a problem, and taking needed action to clear up problems that can be barriers to learning and feeling safe at school.

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