Signs Your Child May Not Be Fitting In at School

School can be a scary place, especially for young children. Going to a new place, learning how to function there without your parents etc. When kids are away from their parents for the very first time, it can be a difficult thing to deal with, especially because until now the parents had been taking care of their social situations like asking other parents to help them interact with their children, making them meet other kids to play with etc. And when they are feeling left out and as if they do not belong, it can be upsetting for them. They may exhibit behaviour that is unlike them. Here are some signs you should know.

Sudden changes in behaviourWhen kids feel like they do not fit in somewhere, it takes a toll on their mental health as they feel like no one likes them. And that feeling will show in their behaviour. Look for shifts in mood, appetite, or sleep patterns. They may be lashing out, crying at normal issues and not being themselves. Avoidance of schoolWhile many parents think kids in general do not like going to school, they shouldn’t put up much fight. If they are being extremely difficult then there must be something amiss. Your child may complain of feeling sick or express a strong dislike for going to school. That should be a sign of concern for parents. They have difficulty making friendsWhile making friend is difficult, if your child has trouble forming bonds with peers, it could be a sign of social isolation. Sometimes children tend to be mean as a way of showing loyalty to their own circle and that can make children who are not in a circle feel left out and alone. They have low self-esteemWhile not all children are boosting about themselves, there is a noticeable drops in confidence or self-worth when they do not fit in somewhere. They may feel like they are not good enough for ‘cool kids’ to hang out with them and that there must be something wrong with them. They have academic strugglesWhen children are struggling with their academics and are having difficulty concentrating or completing assignments can be related to social issues. They may have a lot on their minds to properly pay attention in class. A They are bullying or being bulliedLook for any signs of bullying, either as a victim or perpetrator, can significantly impact a child's social life. While your kid may not being mean to others, sometimes loud kids can take advantage of their social circle to make another kid feel like a social outcast. Withdrawal from activitiesEvery kid has their own likes and dislikes. If your child is no longer interested in extracurricular activities they once enjoyed, it might be a sign of social difficulties. Ask them why they do not wish to play, what was it that they liked about the game that has changed! They have physical complaintsThey may have unexplained physical ailments like headaches or stomachaches can sometimes be a manifestation of stress or social anxiety. This is not as uncommon as people think it is as children do tend to feel stress and anxiety in situations like this.