Parent-Teacher Conference season is upon us!  Have you had concerns about your student at school?  Maybe you hear about how your child is “a joy to have in class” but the kid you bring home is melting down and seems unable to cope with basic transitions and routines. 

School brings up a lot of difficulties for children because it is meant to challenge them to learn, grow, and achieve more.  But what should you do if you suspect that those challenges are impacting your child’s mental health?  First and foremost, have a talk with your child to get their perspective on the situation.  It’s best to have these “heart to heart” conversations when the child is calm and relaxed. 

If communication with your child is challenging, it may be time to bring in outside support. Public schools are required by law to provide education to all children, and parents and guardians have the right to request accommodations and support in order to ensure that each child receives that education.  Some issues may be easily resolved with one meeting with a teacher, but others require a more intense intervention and support. 

If you are finding yourself confused, frustrated, and at a loss, then it may be worth finding someone who can support you and your child through the advocacy process.   For children, and young children especially, having a parent actively involved in mental health treatment can offer tools to both parents and children so they can work collaboratively to address problems and work through difficulties as a team.  If you are in need of help “getting on the same team” with your child, then parent-child therapy might be the solution.