Relationship Woes: Educational Coaching, Part 2

“Do not sacrifice your parent-child relationship and emotional bonds on the altar of academic performance.”
(Russell Barkley,2000).

Students who have ADHD, executive functioning issues, or learning disabilities often struggle with the skills necessary to be successful in school. Organziation, time management, homework completion, and study skills are often elusive talents to students who deal with such difficulties on a day to day basis, regardless of whether their learning differences are diagnosed or not. As a result of the trouble faced at school, a student's self esteem and confidence may suffer.

Students, especially with undiagnosed learning differences, are often misinterpreted by their families and/or teachers as "lazy," "unmotivated," or "indifferent." While parents know their children are smart enough to succeed in school, they are confused as to why their children are struggling with basic educational tasks, such as turning in assignments, writing in their agenda, or studying for tests. As a result, the only explanation seems to be a lack of willingness on the part of the student to participate in academia and a rift is inadvertantly created in the relationship. This doesn't always need to be the case, however.

Parents may want to consider Educational Coaching when:
1. Having a neutral third party may reduce the tension surrounding school in the household
2. There is constant arguing about grades, assignments, or school in general
3. The student frequently talks about hating school
4. They or their children's teachers are concerned by discrepencies between potential and actual performance
5. A student lacks confidence in his or her school performance and would benefit from the moral and academic support a coach can provide

After Educational Coaching, students will gradually:
1. Be more confident at school
2. Have higher self-esteem
3. Experience higher grades at school
4. Be more effective and self-efficient academically
5. Enjoy school more on a day to day basis
6. Experience improvements in familial relationships
7. Feel more comfortable participating in class

Feel free to contact us if you would like more information on the Educational Coaching Process or how it can help students of all ages transform the way they work at school and live at home.