Talking to your child
Having open lines of communication with your child on a regular basis can help them reach out to you if there is an issue at school. In the mornings, ask them what they have got on today at school and when they come home, ask them how their day was. This will help them feel at ease to talk to you about their school life and you may even notice issues arising before they get more challenging.
If your child talks to you about an issue at school, acknowledge it calmly and compassionately. Tell them you are sorry they are going through this difficult time and offer reassurance, so they know you want to help them. Empower them by asking what they think might help resolve the issue, this will help you to understand their perspective.
Whilst you address this, you can build their self-esteem and confidence by praising them for their effort at school, offering to help with any work and celebrating their achievements, no matter how big or small. Getting them involved with out of school clubs will also build confidence and give them value and purpose. However, if you feel your child’s mental health is being negatively affected, it will be important to seek support from their GP as soon as possible. If your child is feeling anxious about going to school, you may find it helpful to read our online advice on school anxiety and refusal.