It’s not always easy to tell when a child is having a tough time at school. Some children withdraw quietly, while others act out in frustration. As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child, but with busy schedules and limited teacher feedback, early signs of struggle can sometimes go unnoticed. At Satchel Learning, we often meet families who say, “I wish we had realised sooner.”
Here are some of the most common signs that your child might be struggling at school:
1. Sudden drop in enthusiasm
If your child once enjoyed school but now complains, drags their feet in the morning, or regularly says they feel sick on school days, this may signal underlying stress or anxiety.
2. Homework resistance or confusion
Ongoing difficulty with homework, particularly in subjects they previously managed well, could point to gaps in understanding or confidence.
3. Avoiding reading or writing tasks
A reluctance to read books, write stories or complete written tasks is often a sign that core literacy skills aren’t secure. This is especially important in the early years of primary school.
4. Negative comments about their ability
Children saying things like “I’m just stupid” or “I’ll never get it right” are often signalling low self-esteem linked to academic frustration.
5. Changes in behaviour or mood
Increased irritability, tiredness, or emotional outbursts after school may reflect how draining the school day has become if a child is finding things hard.
6. Feedback from teachers
If you’re hearing that your child is not engaging in lessons or has fallen behind, it’s worth digging a little deeper.
What can you do?
Start by opening up a conversation with your child, focusing on reassurance rather than pressure. Ask how they feel about different subjects and if there are lessons they dread or enjoy. Follow this up with a conversation with their teacher, who may be able to provide context or examples.
Many parents wait until a crisis point before seeking help, but research from the Education Endowment Foundation shows that early literacy support can accelerate a child’s progress by as much as four months. This reinforces why we offer our free Starting Satchel meeting — to identify problems early and give every child the support they need to get back on track.
Spotting the signs early can make all the difference. With the right support, children not only catch up, but often go on to thrive.
