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The link between emotional challenges and poor academic performanceHave you ever considered that a child's struggles at school may be because of emotional challenges? ![]() © Murali Nath – 123RF.com The academic year, as we are already aware, holds many stressors for children. What we are not always conscious of is that a child’s emotional state can directly affect academic performance. In fact, according to Kerry De Jager, head franchisor at Step Up Education Centres, South Africa says, “Children who are experiencing emotional challenges (pain, uncertainty, family challenges, low self-esteem and fear) are more likely to struggle with the academic demands of formal schooling.” Think of a time as an adult, for example, where you have had an emotional challenge. “It is incredibly difficult to focus on our jobs and careers when our emotional state is one of pain, blame or demotivation. As an adult we have developed the skills needed to cope with stress and anxiety and yet our emotional state sometimes hinders our ability to function in the workplace,” De Jager explains. She adds that developmentally some children are not yet ready to deal with these stresses and furthermore an emotional, immature child will not have the coping skills to deal with the way their emotions make them feel. As the stresses of the year creep up on them, their emotional state will have a greater and greater impact on their ability to concentrate on their academic work. “An emotionally stable learner is able to take in and retain new information more effectively. Concentration skills are better and social relationships are a great deal more positive.” De Jager gives the following tips to parents who have a child who is struggling at school:
“Each child is unique and their needs all differ. If you take the time to try and understand why a child is performing the way they are, it is a huge step in the right direction. Be patient with your children as they navigate the world with you at their side!” De Jager concludes. |