Your child is suddenly having issues in school. Their grades are plummeting. They won’t speak to you about what’s going on. How do you react to these teen academic struggles? Many parents feel lost at this point–which is understandable. There’s no handbook telling a parent exactly how to deal with these types of situations. You may not be able to know what your child is thinking, but you can try to identify what may be causing their sudden challenges with school.
Photo Credit: flickr user – Jack-Benny Persson
Common causes of teen academic struggles
Bullying: One in five kids reported being bullied in a study published in 2015, so this is a big possibility. If the teen academic struggles include skipping class often or avoiding school, it could be a sign that they’re being bullied. Especially if your child is coming home with things missing or frequent unexplained injuries.
Depression: Depression can definitely begin in the teen years, which means it could be the root of your teen academic struggles. If your teen has suddenly become more irritable, is showing signs of low self-esteem, or other sudden changes, it could be depression. About half of those diagnosed with depression also have anxiety.
Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety tends to first pop up in adolescence. If your child has been acting more worrisome, anxious, or has had other sudden changes in behavior, it could be a sign that their anxiety disorder is beginning to develop.
What can parents do?
Seek out professional help. It’s okay to admit that you can’t do everything as a parent, sometimes it’s important to know when to ask for a helping hand. If your child has persisted in having teen academic struggles, it may be time to do this, before things worsen.
Trails Carolina can help
Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program for struggling teens, ages 11-17. Our students commonly deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and other behavioral challenges.
For more information about Trails Carolina, please call 800-975-7303 today!
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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.
Margot Lowman August 2022
Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.
Winnifred Wilson July 2022
Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.
Kristin Brace June 2022
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