Today's question comes from a friend whose second-grader has been saying "I hate school." Over and over. What, if anything, should his parents do?
I sent the question to Richard E. Bavaria, senior vice president for education outreach for Baltimore-based Sylvan Learning. Before joining Sylvan, he was executive director of the department of curriculum and instruction for Baltimore County Public Schools. He has a blog, DrRickblog.com, with tips for parents and educators.
Bavaria said not to panic - many kids go through a stage like this, especially right after the fun of summer. There are a few things a parent can do to try to help.
One is to "stay positive" and do all you can to talk about the fun aspects of school. You can also show him how you're still using the skills you learned. While you're at it, make learning at home as much fun as you can. Read together during story time, get him a library card and share your favorite books from second grade. Invite a "study buddy" - a friend or classmate of your child's - over to do homework and projects with your child. Watch how they study together, Bavaria says, and you'll probably learn a lot about how your child does schoolwork and what problems he may be having.
Support your child through the difficult times in learning and celebrate his successes, Bavaria says. If he still "hates school" after all of this, it's time to talk to the teacher about how he's doing in class and whether there are issues with friends.
"Do your best to stay positive, showing him the fun and joy he can experience from what school has to offer: learning, activities, music, art, sports, friendships, new skills and knowledge," Bavaria says. "Encourage him to tell you what he likes about school - there must be something - and stick with that as a starting point. Never give up."
