Having a teenage son or daughter that struggles to perform to their potential in school is definitely not an unusual problem. Yet many parents in this situation are unsure of how to proceed and look for help. Typically, parents don't fully understand all the reasons behind their child’s failure. The list below includes some of the most common reasons behind why a teen may be struggling to perform well in school.
1 - Learning disorders
If a teen is having difficulty in some of their classes, despite putting in a great deal of effort, then it's possible that this child has a learning disorder. Although this is very common, it can be a serious issue that often goes undiagnosed. Remember, a learning disorder doesn’t mean a child is dumb. Teachers may think that a student is simply not applying themselves when in fact they are having trouble with comprehension due to dyslexia. Luckily, with the right support, these disorders can be accommodated and can be overcome.
2 – A child doesn't understand why school performance is important
Some teens simply don't understand how or why their school performance is so important. They don’t seem to make the connection between school and the future opportunities that they will have in front of them someday. Try to sit down with your son or daughter and have a frank conversation about how their education will impact the rest of their life.
3 - Negative peer pressure or bullying
If a teen is surrounded by negative influences at school, it can be very difficult for them to give their academic performance their full attention. It’s a good idea to talk to your teen and find out if anything is getting in the way of their ability to focus.