Parents: Trust your instincts

Trust your instincts. If you see your child beginning to falter in school, don’t hesitate. Most students don’t know how to “right the ship” on their own. Jump into action and see if you and your child can identify what’s going on. Work together to diagnose the root of the challenge, and then do your best to problem-solve and address the issue. It may require bringing a teacher or guidance counselor into the loop, or perhaps a tutor to help redirect and guide your child through the difficult time. By following your instinct and addressing the situation quickly, you’ll signal to your child that he’s not alone and you’ll end up saving him (and yourself!) stress and anxiety down the road.