Spotting School-Related Problems at Home

What do most parents do when their child has a sore throat and fever? Call the doctor - who normally checks for strep infection by taking a throat culture. Because parents these days seek immediate attention for children's sore throats, most strep infections are nipped in the bud, and childhood rheumatic fever - caused by strep infection - has been reduced.

    If you could spot your child's school-relate4d problems as easily as you note a sore throat - and took action as quickly - you might eliminate many minor "learning aches" and start earlier professional treatment of serious learning problems. Children are no more immune to school problems than they are to medical problems. Sooner or later most kids, whether they're brilliant, average, or below, run into difficulties in school. The best prescription? Get help early.

    Establish a good relationship with your child's teachers, principal, counselors, and other school staff. you expect these professionals to keep you informed of your youngster's progress through conferences and report cards. They, in turn, depend on you to spot troublesome symptoms that may be relate to school - and to alert them immediately. Knowing each other is the first step. Let teaches know you appreciate them; it's an encouraging way to begin a relationship, and you'll be much more comfortable talking over problems later is you've started on a positive note.

    Should you initiate the first contact? Yes. How long would you wait to call the doctor? In a recent Gallup Poll, teachers cited parents' lack of interest as the greatest obstacle they face in providing better education. Remember that grades take weeks to earn, so if a bad report cared is your first clue to a child's problem, the trouble may have been building for a long time.

    What should you consider a problem? Anything that common sense tells you is affecting your child's academic progress or social adjustment, such as grades taking a sudden plunge, unusual personality clashes with classmates or teachers, or constant dissatisfaction with grades received. If your child has missed many days of school or if your family has experienced any major changes (illness, death, separation), he or she may need help. Diagnosing problems isn't easy. That's why a team approach (you and the teacher) is best.

    How do you detect problems? Unfortunately you can't put your child's problems in a petri dish, like a throat culture, and wait for results. But you can listen to your child and watch for warning signs, such as:

    What should you do about problems? First, talk to your child.  Say that you've noticed he or she seems to be having difficulties and that you'd like to help make things easier. If your youngster is willing to talk, listen sympathetically. Keep in mind these comments are only one side of the story. Don't jump to any conclusions. Ten call the school. The classroom teacher or counselor is usually the first person to call, but if after a period of time, your concern and the problem remain, call the principal.

    Of utmost importance: establish and maintain close contact with your child's school. Always voice your concerns - or your compliments. If you're wrong about a problem, nothing's lost - and if you're right, everything's gained for your youngster.