What Tools Can Help a Struggling Student Succeed?
When Your Child Feels Lost at School
As a parent, seeing your child struggle at school can feel like a punch to the heart. It’s not just about the grades—it’s the worry, the tears before homework, the late-night questions like “Am I stupid?” or “Why can’t I get it right?”. And when you’re juggling your own job, dinner, laundry, and everything else life throws your way, it’s easy to feel helpless.
But there is hope. Educational difficulties aren’t a dead end; they’re a signal—a sign that your child may need a different route to get to the same destination. The key is to understand your child’s learning style, emotional needs, and what specific tools can truly support them.
Start With Empathy, Not Pressure
Before reaching for solutions, step into your child’s world. Often, kids who are struggling don’t want more structure or more expectations. They want understanding. They want connection. If your child shuts down when you ask about their day, you’re not alone. Many parents of kids in distress report that conversations about school are met with silence or resistance. That doesn’t mean your child doesn’t care. It may mean school feels overwhelming, and talking about it is just too much.
Consider setting up one-on-one time in a relaxed setting—a walk, a car ride, or baking together. Focus less on school and more on their interests. When a child feels safe and valued, they’re more likely to open up and let you into their world.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Find the Right Format
Not every child thrives by reading and rereading textbook content. Some kids are auditory learners—information clicks when they hear it, not when they see it. Others need movement, interaction, or storytelling to make something stick. The traditional teaching model doesn't always honor those differences. But as a parent, you can step in to fill that gap.
A simple example: if your child dreads reading their science notes, try turning that lesson into an audio format they can listen to on the go or during a cozy bedtime winding down. Some families have found enormous relief by using tools that transform written lessons into personalized audio stories—even better when those tools allow your child to be the hero of the adventure, using their own name. The Skuli App, for instance, does just that: it lets you snap a photo of a lesson and turns it into an engaging audio adventure starring your child. Suddenly, science isn’t a chore—it’s a quest, and they’re the star.
Let Play Lead the Way
For kids who find school stressful, pressure often backfires. Play, on the other hand, activates their curiosity and joy—the soil where learning really grows. You may want to look into play-based learning strategies if your child resists traditional methods. Turning spelling practice into a scavenger hunt, or math facts into a board game, can be far more effective than forcing drills.
Even quizzes—usually a source of dread—can become engaging if they’re interactive and tailored. Imagine turning a dry paragraph from your child’s notebook into 20 rapid-fire, personalized questions they can answer like a game show. The key isn’t tricking them into learning; it’s reigniting their belief that learning can be fun.
Understand What Lies Beneath
Sometimes, academic struggle isn’t just about the content—it’s about what’s going on under the surface. A child who says “I hate school” may be struggling with a learning disorder, anxiety, or even undiagnosed ADHD. It’s worth exploring how to spot deeper learning challenges so you can advocate for testing, support at school, or therapeutic interventions if needed. In the meantime, knowing that your child’s brain simply works differently can be a powerful shift in how you approach their education.
Create a Circle of Encouragement
No tool—digital or otherwise—can beat the power of encouragement. Positive reinforcement, realistic expectations, and small wins can change a child’s self-perception entirely. Whether it’s a sticker chart, a celebration for finishing a hard assignment, or just saying, “I saw how hard you tried even though it was tough,” these small moments add up.
Struggling learners often internalize the message that they’re not smart. Let’s rewrite that. Start reminding them (and yourself) that struggling doesn't mean failing—it signals courage, perseverance, and resilience in action.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
Helping a child who is falling behind is heavy work. Don’t carry it alone. Connect with teachers. Seek out therapists or learning specialists. Join online communities. And remember, your worth as a parent isn’t tied to your child’s report card. You are the safe place they come home to. Don’t underestimate the impact of your steady presence and belief in them.
If you need a little inspiration to keep going, try this: revisit what made your own learning come to life. Was it a passionate teacher? A book that made you feel seen? The moment you connected math to real life? Helping your child rediscover the joy of learning often starts with rediscovering it yourself.
Every Child Deserves to Shine
Your child’s struggles aren’t a sign of failure. They’re a map—one that shows you where they need warmth, support, and a learning environment that fits them like a glove. By blending empathy with the right tools—whether it’s personalized learning apps, deeper emotional understanding, or playful strategies—you can help them not just survive school, but begin to thrive in their own way.
And remember: you don’t need all the answers. You just need to keep showing up. One small step at a time.