5 silent signs your child or little person may be struggling at school

As parents and guardians, it's natural to worry about the well-being and happiness of our little ones, especially when it comes to their academic progress. Sometimes, children may be silently battling anxiety, making it challenging for them to thrive in the school environment. In this article, we will explore five subtle signs that may indicate your child is struggling with anxiety at school. By being aware of these signs and behaviours, you can provide the support they need to navigate their educational journey.

1. Changes in behaviour and personality especially with friends:
If you notice a sudden shift in your child's behaviour or personality, it could be a sign of underlying anxiety. They may become more withdrawn, tearful, or irritable. Pay attention to any unexplained changes in their mood, such as excessive worry, restlessness, or becoming overly quiet.

2. Academic performance decline:
Anxiety can significantly impact your child's ability to concentrate and perform academically. If you notice a decline in their grades, difficulty completing assignments, or a sudden lack of interest in school activities, it's worth exploring whether anxiety could be playing a role.

3. Physical symptoms:
While anxiety is primarily an emotional experience, it can also manifest in physical symptoms. Keep an eye out for complaints of headaches, stomach aches, or frequent visits to the school nurse without any illness. Complaints about feeling tired or having trouble sleeping could also indicate underlying anxiety.

Sometimes these symptoms decrease once they are back home or in their safe environment. 

4. Avoidance behaviours:
Children with anxiety may develop avoidance behaviours to escape situations that trigger their anxious feelings. They may be resistant to going to school, participating in social activities, or even completing tasks that they once enjoyed. Observe if your child seems overly reluctant or consistently tries to find excuses to avoid certain activities.

5. Perfectionism and self-criticism:
Children with anxiety may put excessive pressure on themselves to be perfect, both academically and socially. They may exhibit signs of excessive self-criticism, fear of making mistakes, or being highly self-conscious about their appearance or performance. Praise that is not excessive but focuses on effort and progress can help counteract these tendencies.

Recognising the signs of anxiety in your child is the first step towards providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive at school. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have open and caring conversations with your child and possibly seek guidance from a mental health professional or their school counsellor. Remember, by addressing anxiety early on, you can help your little one build resilience, self-confidence, and enjoy a positive educational experience.

If you think that your child is struggling with anxiety, our free checklist which provides all the right supports to empower your little person to overcome anxiety and navigate their school journey with confidence.  Our checklist will help to ensure their academic success and emotional well-being.

This is not a substitute for advice or therapy.