Academic Concerns
Academic concerns are issues that affect elementary and Pre-K aged children to adolescents and young adults in college. They may include learning difficulties or disabilities, bullying, lack of attention from teachers/instructors, and underachievement. The Kraft Group in Morris County recognizes that trouble in school can affect the child outside of the classroom, causing undue stress and interfering with day to day life in school, at home, and while participating in extra curricular activities. Our compassionate and experienced staff are eager to work with your child and family, to get to the root of the problem and take steps to plan for a successful future.
What are some signs of academic trouble from elementary through college aged students?
Bullying (being the victim of bullying and bullying others are both indicative of an issue at school or home)
Consistent underachievement
Lack of engagement, not wanting to go to school or participate in activities, especially if this occurs seemingly out of the blue.
Embarrassment, discomfort, or altogether refusal to discuss school and/or peers
Boredom with school work or not feeling challenged enough
Attention or behavior problems
Low confidence or lack of self-esteem – your child might say he is ‘dumb’, ‘stupid’ or not as smart as his/her friends
Parents and teachers who are proactive and recognize an academic concern early on can potentially benefit the student greatly. Unrecognized and untreated issues can have a long lasting negative impact on a child’s growth and educational outlook.Academic concerns can result from mental health issues like as depression, anxiety, or ADHD, but it’s important to remember that a child might also develop concerning issues, such as stress, as a result of his or her academic difficulties.
For example, a child with a learning disability that is not properly treated might become stressed or depressed due to pressure from family to earn better grades and frustrated with teachers who do not provide adequate help. The child or teen might then become anxious about school, and the stress might also manifest as aggression toward the child’s teacher or peer (bullying). If other children recognize that you child is struggling, it can also put them at risk to be bullied.Children who experience stress as a result of academic pressure may benefit from counseling.
Academic concerns can also occur as a result of a traumatic experience, personal or family problems, or family financial issues. Psychotherapy can address those underlying issues and help treat them. An adolescent who experiences difficulty in school after a traumatic incident, for example, may find his or her performance in the classroom improving once he or she is able to discuss the trauma in therapy.The Kraft Group, located in Florham Park, New Jersey, truly believes that a proactive and hands-on approach is critical when treating academic concerns for children or adolescents of any age. If you have questions or concerns about your child or teen’s academic well-being, we’d love the opportunity to help! Call our centrally located Florham Park office today, or leave us a message and we will reach out to you!