Reasons Why a Child May Need Learning Support | ExpatWoman.com
 

Reasons Why a Child May Need Learning Support

There are many reasons why a child might need additional support for learning.

Posted on

23 June 2015

Last updated on 22 October 2018
Reasons Why a Child May Need Learning Support
It can be a particularly daunting concept for some parents, allowing additional support for your children may make you feel anxious but no matter what, you have to do what is right for your child, you and the family. 
 
 

Of course, every child is different and all and every child will respond differently to different types of support in different time frames and so on. Plus, the reasoning behind each child requiring learning support will vary from child to child and there are so many reasons to limit to only one or two. Despite this, there may be an obvious cause at first, which is what we'll explore here.

1. Difficulty to control behaviour

Sometimes it can be hard to figure out whether a child's bad behaviour is normal for their age, or if it's a sign of a behavioural disorder. Regardless of whether it's tantrums, excitability or naughtiness, there are many different factors that can contribute to a child's behaviour. Such as genes, schooling, parental behaviour, medical problems or sensitivity to foods or medicine. Giving them support can be invaluable with just some extra attention, both at home and academically. 

2. Being misunderstood

Ensure that all language barriers are broken down for your child, both at school and at home. As expats, your child may attend a school which doesn't frequently use their native tongue, which of course can course major barriers. The best way to combat this is by making sure that their school offer intervention classes, where teachers trained in the language used can give them help while at school. Seeking an afterschool program that develops that particular language can be of great use, too. 


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3. They're a victim of bullying

Why being a victim of bullying should result in your child receiving support may be a difficult idea to comprehend - surely those who are bullying require the extra attention to ensure they understand that is wrong and damaging for those they pick on. However, depending on the level of bullying a child receives, they may need someone to talk to who they can confide in that isn't a school teacher or parent. Giving them the opportunity to discuss their thoughts with a learning support tutor may allow them to process what has happened to them, why it may have happened and to ensure they're confidence is restored.

4. Victims of abusive or neglecting behaviour

Unfortunately, there are children in the world who are the recipients of such behaviour, and because they are not receiving the adequate support in one part of their life, giving them learning support at school or in an afterschool program will provide them will stability and room to function away from it all.

5. They're a carer

This will be more the case in older children, that are more developed in their academics. Whether it's primary or secondary school. It's common for responsibility to fall upon the shoulder of a child when a parent or sibling requires extra support at home. This can of course deem stressful in varying circumstances, and that stress may reflect in their school work and relationships with their peers and teachers. Providing them with learning support says "it's okay - we'll look after you now and in this way". It will help to relieve pressure from a young person who has the whole world stamping on their shoulders.

6. Reading and/or spelling difficulties

Naturally, children develop skills at different stages of their academic careers. And as a result, some children will need that little extra support to encourage and develop their reading and/or spelling skills to ensure they are 1) not left behind in class 2) not a victim of bullying by those who do not require learning support and 3) not having their confidence completely abolished at school. 

7. They're advanced in their learning

On the flipside of the above point (6), a child may infact be too advanced for their class. Their extraordinary learning abilities, knowledge and skills for learning has allowed them to progress ahead of their peers. In this case, allowing them to receive learning support will in fact help them to progress in their knowledge and skills with one-on-one attention, without disrupting their academic schedule.

8. Changing schools a lot

This one is perhaps a hazard of being an expat, and families should prepare for disruption in their childs behaviour. Understandably, changing schools continously for a child removes stability, structure and developed relationships. They may find that they are behind or ahead of their new classmates, so giving them learning support will help ensure they don't miss important things. 

9. Young parents

Your child may be a parent themselves, and at a school age have a child can understandably be extremely disruptive and stressful. Your child themselves will be struggling to find the balance between their academic life and their new life as a parent, as any new mother or father has to do.


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10. Dealing with the loss of a loved one

To help your child cope with grief, it is important to understand how children and teens view death in general, as it varies by age and often changes as a child develops emotionally and socially. Plus, the death of a parent or other close family member can directly change a child's day-to-day life; family roles and rountines will change and these changes are also a major loss and add to a child's overall grief. Providing learning support for your child once they return to school will help restore a sense of stability and routine.

11. Mental health

Learning support for your child who may experience mental health challenges can provide help in varying ways; a tutor will help a child feel connected and welcomed in the academic environment, while ensuring they have the chance to learn in a positive and safe school environment. A learning support tutor can also teach a child resilience when overcoming challenges, develop competencies both socially and academically while enforcing positive behaviour and decision making skills for that child. 

12. Use of abusive substances i.e. alcohol or drugs

Drug and/or alcohol abuse can destroy relationships within families. And as expats, you may find yourself living in a country that may make these substances more accessible for your child or teenager that may fall out of your control. But with help and recovery, both for the individual and their family, relationships can be healed. And a learning support can aid this development. 

 
 

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