What Kids Ages 6 to 12 Wish They Could Change About School
Listening to the Quiet Voices: What Children Really Want from School
“I wish there was more time to play.” “I don’t like raising my hand when I don’t understand.” “Why do we have to learn things that don’t make sense?” These are not complaints from a teenager slammed by homework, but from children between 6 and 12—an age where learning is supposed to be filled with energy, questions, and wonder. If you're here reading this, there's a good chance your child has expressed some frustration about school. You’re not alone, and—perhaps more importantly—neither is your child.
As a parent, it can be heartbreaking when school becomes a source of stress instead of joy. Maybe your mornings start with sluggish steps toward the door. Or maybe you notice the silence after asking, “How was school today?” turn heavier each week. If you’ve ever wondered what might really be behind that silence, the answer often comes down to one simple truth: kids don’t always feel heard.
It’s Not Just the Workload: What Kids Are Really Saying
When children say they don't like school, they're often not referring only to the lessons. They’re talking about how they're taught, how they feel about learning, and how safe and seen they feel in the classroom. Researchers and child psychologists agree: school is more than just academics—it's social development, confidence-building, and emotional safety wrapped into one complicated environment.
In speaking with teachers, counselors, and—most importantly—kids themselves, a few recurring themes appear when we ask, "What would you change about school if you could?" These insights may surprise you, comfort you, and perhaps reshape your own view of what your child needs.
“I Want to Learn in My Own Way”
Many kids aged 6 to 12 express that lessons are either too fast, too slow, or too confusing. One 8-year-old told me, “Sometimes I listen, but my brain works better when someone shows me or tells me a story.” Another, age 10, said, “I study and study but the test feels like it comes out of nowhere.” What these kids are asking for is differentiation—not easier work, but learning that reflects how their brains tick.
If your child struggles to stay focused or comes home saying, “I don’t get it,” they may simply need the information presented in a different format. For instance, some children learn better through sound—hearing a lesson explained during a car ride can sometimes stick far better than staring at flashcards at the table. Supporting tools like the Skuli App quietly help bridge this gap by turning boring written material into engaging audio adventures tailored to your child's name and interests. It’s subtle, but it can make learning feel less like a chore and more like play.
“Let Me Move!”
The need for movement is another recurring theme. Sit-still learning can be especially tough for kids who are kinesthetic learners—or simply full of physical energy. Between ages 6 and 12, bodies are naturally restless. Classrooms that limit movement can cause frustration and even misbehavior, which is often misunderstood punishment for a child simply trying to cope with their discomfort.
While you can’t change your child’s classroom setup, you can help them release stored-up energy through active review sessions at home. Turn math into hopscotch. Spell vocabulary words with sidewalk chalk. These types of embodied learning moments allow your child to feel in sync with their body and brain—reducing stress and improving retention.
“I Wish the Teacher Knew How I Feel”
Perhaps the most poignant desire from children is emotional: the need to be known. To be understood not just as a learner but as a whole person. Kids pick up quickly when they're being rushed through material, or when their anxiety is mistaken for laziness or defiance. One powerful way to help children feel known at school is to support them in expressing how school makes them feel to you at home—and to teach them how to articulate it to others.
If your child struggles to share, try practicing active listening at home. Reflect back what you hear without jumping to fix-it mode. Instead of “You’ll be fine, just try your best,” say, “That sounds tough. What part of the day makes it hardest?” We have an entire article on helping your child open up about school difficulties if silence is the norm.
“Why Can’t Homework Be Fun?”
Homework is a universal pain point. Whether your child is a straight-A student or struggling just to keep up, they’ve likely declared, “Homework is stupid!” more than once. And while part of this is simply age-appropriate resistance, some kids express a deeper wish: to see the purpose behind what they're doing.
Parents can play a valuable role here—not by turning into at-home tutors, but by connecting the dots. Ask them to explain what they think the lesson is about, rather than focusing on getting the right answers. When your child can’t focus, pause and revisit it in a playful way later—with quiz games, stories, or even music. When kids review material through engaging formats, such as personalized quizzes or storytelling, what once felt tedious can become meaningful. We explore this further in our article on how kids honestly feel about homework.
“I Just Want to Be Happy at School”
Isn’t that the heart of it all? Kids don’t necessarily want fewer rules or no homework or to abolish classrooms entirely. Mostly, they want school to be a place where they feel confident, curious, noticed, and safe. If your child has started hesitating at the school gate, or dragging their feet every Sunday night, take those feelings seriously. Our guide on how to tell if your child is happy at school explores subtle signs parents often miss.
Final Thoughts: You Are Their Anchor
Children might not always be able to tell you exactly what’s wrong. But they know what they need—it only takes the right questions, the right listening, and a bit of creativity to help them find their voice again.
By creating space for your child to express what they’d change about school, you’re giving them agency, validating their feelings, and equipping them with self-awareness. That connection—far more than any perfect homework routine—is what will support your child in the years ahead.