Is My Child's Struggle in School Normal, or a Sign They May Need Extra Support?
- Jennifer Martinez
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
If your child is having a hard time in school, you’re not alone — and you’re not overreacting for wondering what’s going on.
Many parents notice changes slowly: homework takes longer, frustration builds more quickly, grades don’t reflect effort, or teachers begin to express concerns. It can be difficult to know whether these struggles are a normal part of growing up or a sign that your child may benefit from additional support.
At Bridge Educational Psychology Services, we work with families in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County who are asking this exact question.
Common School Struggles Parents Notice
Every child has ups and downs, but parents often reach out when concerns start to feel persistent or overwhelming. Some common signs include:
Difficulty focusing or staying on task
Trouble completing homework independently
Emotional outbursts, anxiety, or shutdowns related to school
Falling behind in reading, writing, or math
Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches before school
Behavioral concerns at school that aren't seen at home
Teachers expressing concerns about attention, learning, or behavior
These challenges don't automatically mean something is "wrong," but they do signal that it's worth taking a closer look.
When School Struggles May Be Part of Typical Development
It's important to know that some challenges are developmentally expected, especially during transitions such as:
Starting kindergarten
Moving from elementary to middle school
Adjusting to increased academic demands
Experiencing changes at home or socially
Temporary struggles often improve with time, routine, and support. Children may catch up academically or emotionally as they mature.
When Struggles May Signal the Need for Extra Support
If concerns persist over time, interfere with learning, or affect your child's emotional well-being, additional support may be helpful. Ongoing difficulties can sometimes be related to:
Learning differences (such as reading, writing, or math challenges)
Attention or executive functioning difficulties
Anxiety, stress or emotional regulation concerns
Social or behavioral challenges in the classroom
Developmental or processing differences
Understanding why a child is struggling is often the next stop toward meaningful improvement.
How a Psychoeducational Evaluation Can Help
A psychoeducational evaluation looks at the whole child — not just grades or test scores. Evaluations typically examine:
Learning and academic skills
Attention, focus, and executive functioning
Cognitive strengths and learning style
Emotional and behavioral functioning
How these areas impact school performance
The goal isn’t to label a child, but to provide clarity, identify strengths, and offer practical recommendations that support success at school and at home.
Supporting Families in Bakersfield & Kern County
At Bridge Educational Psychology Services, we partner with families to help them better understand what’s going on beneath the surface. Our evaluations and consultations are:
School-focused and strengths-based
Clear, thorough, and parent-friendly
Designed to support IEPs, 504 plans, and school collaboration
Grounded in real-world classroom experience
We support families throughout Bakersfield, Kern County, and across California, with virtual services available when appropriate.
Trust Your Instincts
If you’ve found yourself asking, “Is this normal?” — that question alone is worth honoring.
Seeking information doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means you’re advocating for your child and looking for clarity.
If you’d like help deciding whether an evaluation, consultation, or next step makes sense for your family, we’re here to support you.
Psychoeducational evaluations in Bakersfield, CA
Serving Bakersfield & Kern County
Virtual Services Agailable
Contact Bridge Educational Psychology Services for a Consultation
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