An Action Plan for Parents: What to Do When Your Child Falls Behind
Is your child falling behind in school?
Maybe their grades are slipping, frustration is mounting, or homework has become a daily battle.
It’s natural to hope they’ll grow out of it, that things will eventually click into place. But, the reality is learning gaps don’t close on their own and the longer they persist, the harder they are to overcome.
The good news? With the right support and strategies, your child can regain their confidence and get back on track. Here’s how to help.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Before jumping into solutions, take a moment to work out exactly where your child is struggling. Is it reading comprehension? Maths concepts? Organisation? Or is it more about focus and confidence?
Your child may feel frustrated, embarrassed, or even shrug off the fact that they are falling behind. Start a gentle conversation with them, asking open-ended questions like:
What’s feeling hardest about school right now?
Is there anything that feels tricky or frustrating?
How do you feel when it’s time for homework?
By listening without judgment, you’re creating a safe space for them to share how things are going for them. Sometimes, kids struggle quietly, so these chats can give you valuable insight into what’s really going on.
Step 2: Involve the Teacher
Teachers are your best allies when it comes to supporting your child’s learning. They see your child in action every day and can provide insights on things you might not have noticed at home. More importantly, they have the experience and resources to help address learning gaps effectively.
Set up a meeting or send an email. Ask:
What specific areas does my child need help with?
Are there classroom strategies that seem to work for them?
What additional resources would you recommend?
Are there any school-based support programs available?
Teachers want their students to succeed. By working together, you can create a game plan to support your child both in the classroom and at home.
Step 3: Leverage School Resources
As part of your discussion with the teacher, ask about any additional support the school can provide. Schools will sometimes have extra resources designed to help struggling students, so it’s worth exploring what’s available.
This could include:
additional homework sheets
access to online learning programs
small group interventions
specialist sessions with learning support staff.
These resources can be invaluable when working to create a structured support plan that reinforces learning at home.
Step 4: Create a Supportive Study Plan
Once you know where their struggles are, you can work on creating a structured support plan. A good study plan addresses the areas your child needs to work on while keeping learning manageable and building confidence over time.
This might include:
Making daily reading a habit - Even 10 minutes a day improves fluency, comprehension and confidence.
Breaking homework into smaller chunks - Big tasks can feel overwhelming, so tackling them step by step helps with focus.
Using hands-on learning tools - Flashcards, charts, and interactive activities make tricky concepts easier to grasp.
Creating a distraction-free study space - A quiet, organised spot helps with concentration and productivity.
Setting small, achievable goals - Celebrate progress! Whether it’s mastering a tricky word or finishing a worksheet, small wins build confidence.
Step 5: Get Expert Help
Helping your child catch up can feel like an overwhelming task. Figuring out what they’re struggling with, how to support them, and making sure they’re getting what they need... if you’re not sure you’re doing it right, you’re not alone!
This is where a great tutor can make all the difference.
Tutors are experts at everything we’ve covered - pinpointing problem areas, building confidence, and giving kids the personalised support they need to thrive.
Finding the right tutor is a big decision!
Our guide, Top 10 Questions to Pick the Perfect Tutor, can help you choose the best fit for your child.
Not all tutors are the same, though. A qualified primary teacher understands how to teach, not just the subject itself. They can assess your child’s strengths and struggles, tailor learning strategies, and help them feel confident and capable.
Most importantly, the right tutor makes learning engaging and stress-free. When kids feel relaxed and supported, they’re more likely to engage, take risks, and actually enjoy learning.
If you’re considering a tutor, look for someone who:
has experience teaching, not just knowledge of the subject
connects well with your child and builds their confidence
uses engaging, effective learning techniques.
By bringing in expert support, you’re making sure your child gets the right help early - setting them up for success now and into the future.
Step 6: Celebrate and Encourage
Every bit of progress counts! Celebrate when they master a new skill, complete a difficult assignment, or even just show a positive attitude toward learning. Small wins build confidence and motivation and help your child develop a growth mindset.
For instance, if your child finally makes a breakthrough on a tough maths concept, celebrate with a high-five or a victory dance. Making progress feel fun keeps motivation high!
The key is to praise their effort, not just results. Instead of “You’re so smart,” try:
“I love how hard you worked on this.”
“Look how much progress you’ve made.”
“You really put a lot of effort in.”
Step 7: Keep Checking In
Catching up takes time, so it’s important to keep communication open with both your child and their teacher to make sure the support strategies are working.
Make check-ins a habit. Once a week, ask your child to rate their school week from 1 to 5 and chat about what felt easy and what felt tough. A quick conversation can help you catch struggles early and adjust your approach before frustration builds.
You can also touch base with their teacher to track progress and get fresh ideas. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot - learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and small adjustments can make a big difference!
Final Thoughts
If your child is struggling, don’t ‘wait and see’ - take action now! The sooner you step in, the easier it is to close learning gaps and boost their confidence.
Struggles in school don’t just disappear on their own, but with the right support, your child can catch up and thrive.
Every child learns at their own pace, and sometimes, they just need a little extra guidance to get back on track. Whether it’s building their skills, boosting their confidence, or making learning feel manageable again, the right support can make all the difference.
At Attain Education, we specialise in helping primary students bridge learning gaps with personalised, engaging support. Our experienced tutors provide 1:1 attention, using proven teaching strategies to help your child feel capable and confident in the classroom.
Don’t wait until school struggles grow into bigger challenges.
Let’s create a plan that works for your child! Book a free call today to learn how our personalised tutoring can help.
You can book a no-obligation call or simply send us an email at info@attaineducation.com.au and we’ll let you know how we can help your child.