Signs Your Child Might Need Extra Academic Support

As a parent, it is natural to want your child to do well in school. Sometimes, as many people of course know, school can be hard! Children sometimes will need a little extra help to succeed academically if they are struggling. Whether it’s falling behind in a specific subject or having a hard time with focus and motivation, these challenges can be subtle at first. Knowing the signs early can make a world of difference in getting your child the support they need to feel confident and capable in the classroom.

Here are some key signs your child might benefit from extra academic support and what you can do to help.

Declining Grades or Test Scores

A noticeable drop in grades or poor performance on standardized tests is one of the clearest indicators that something isn’t clicking. It might mean your child is having trouble grasping the material, keeping up with the pace of lessons, or managing time effectively during exams.

What to do: Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher to understand specific areas of struggle and explore tutoring or academic enrichment programs. Tutoring companies such as Club Z can be found right on the Peachjar platform and can help meet your child's tutoring needs

Avoiding Homework or School Talk

If your child consistently avoids doing homework, becomes frustrated easily, or refuses to talk about school, it may be a sign they feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

What to do: Create a calm, supportive environment for homework, and keep the lines of communication open. Avoid pressure, and try to identify whether the issue is content-related or emotional.

Frequent Complaints About School

“I hate school” or “it’s too hard” are phrases no parent wants to hear, but they can be clues that your child is facing academic challenges. These complaints often mask deeper frustrations or insecurities.

What to do: Talk openly with your child to understand what’s really bothering them. Ask gentle, open-ended questions and listen without judgment.

Struggles With Basic Skills

Difficulty with reading comprehension, writing clearly, or solving math problems can indicate a gap in foundational skills. These gaps can cause students to fall further behind as the curriculum becomes more complex.

What to do: Consider having your child assessed for learning differences or seeking out a tutor who can provide personalized support in the specific subject area.

Low Confidence or Anxiety Around Learning

If your child says they’re “just not good at school” or shows signs of anxiety before tests or assignments, it may stem from repeated struggles in the classroom.

What to do: Encourage your child with positive reinforcement. Celebrate small wins and emphasize effort over perfection. A mentor, counselor, or academic coach can also help rebuild confidence.

Teacher Feedback or Concerns

Teachers spend hours each day with your child and can offer valuable insight into their academic performance, attention, and classroom behavior. If a teacher expresses concern, it’s important to take it seriously.

What to do: Collaborate with your child’s teacher to develop a support plan, which might include classroom accommodations, tutoring, or after-school help.

Disorganization or Missing Assignments

Constantly losing homework, forgetting due dates, or struggling with time management can signal executive functioning challenges that affect academic performance.

What to do: Help your child set up a homework routine, use planners or digital reminders, and break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

We’re in This Together 

Every child learns differently, and needing extra academic support is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, recognizing the need and responding early can empower your child to overcome obstacles and build lasting confidence in their abilities. Whether through tutoring, mentoring, or school-based resources, the right support can help your child not just catch up—but thrive.

Need Support?

Peachjar connects families to local educational resources that make a difference. Visit Peachjar to explore tutoring options, enrichment programs, and community support for your child near you.