School
Challenges in everyday school life
School is a time of personal development and friendships - but also of challenges. Children and young people are under pressure, have to pass exams and find their place in the class community. At the same time, parents want to give their children the best possible support, but often come up against questions.
Learning and performance pressure
- Difficulties with learning: Some children do not cope with certain subjects and need targeted support.
- Concentration problems: Longer lesson times and lots of distractions make it difficult for some children to focus.
- Performance pressure: Exams, tests and grade pressure can cause stress - especially if expectations are too high.
Social challenges
- Bullying and exclusion: When children and young people are excluded, insulted or physically attacked in class, their self-confidence and well-being suffer.
- Conflicts with teachers: Misunderstandings or disagreements with teachers can make working together more difficult.
- Integration and language barriers: Starting school can be particularly challenging for pupils with a migrant background.
Decisions and transitions
- Changing schools: Moving from elementary school to secondary school or relocating requires reorientation.
- Choosing an educational path: Parents are faced with the decision of whether the secondary school should be a grammar school, a secondary modern school or a comprehensive school.
- Transition to working life: Many important decisions need to be made when graduation is approaching.
First steps: How to support your child in everyday school life
As a parent or guardian, you can actively contribute to making everyday school life easier for your child.
Provide learning support
- Create structures: A fixed learning place and clear learning times ensure peace and concentration.
- Use aids: Learning apps, exercise books or online platforms can provide children with targeted support.
- Get help with learning: If you notice that your child has persistent difficulties, tutoring or learning therapy may be useful.
Provide emotional support
- Have a sympathetic ear: Listen when your child reports difficulties without judging them directly.
- Improve self-confidence: Make it clear that mistakes are part of learning and that it's okay not to be able to do everything straight away.
- Take bullying seriously: If bullying is an issue, talk to the school or counseling centers - the problem rarely resolves itself.
Assist with transitions
- Assist with school changes: Visit the new school with your child before the change takes place.
- Promote career orientation: Attend career orientation events or information days at secondary schools with your child.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
Counselling and school support
- School social work: Many schools offer direct support from school social workers who help with conflicts, bullying or emotional stress.
- Counselling teachers: Teachers with a special counselling role are on hand to help parents and students with school problems.
- Psychological counselling centres: In many cities, there are free counselling services for students with learning problems, test anxiety or bullying experiences.
Tutoring and support services
- Tutoring services: Whether privately organized or through learning institutes - tutoring offers targeted support in individual subjects.
- Learning support through the education and participation package (BuT): For families with low incomes, there is financial support for tutoring services.
- Learning therapy: Children with dyslexia, dyscalculia or other learning disorders can receive special support.
Career guidance services
- Career advice from the Federal Employment Agency: Career advice supports young people in finding a career and training places.
- Professional preparation measures (BvB): Young people without a training place can take part in measures to start their professional life better prepared.
- School career choice projects: Many schools organize project weeks or work placements that give pupils their first insights into the world of work.
Frequently asked questions about school
If your child has learning problems, talk to the class teacher or school social worker first. It is possible to take advantage of individual support services, such as tutoring, learning support (e.g. via the education and participation package) or internal school support. Counseling centers for school problems or school psychological services also offer help.
Families with a low income can receive support via the Education and Participation Package (BuT). It covers the costs of school materials, school trips and tutoring. Applications can be submitted to the job center, social welfare office or family benefits office. Social advice centers help with the application process.
Contact the class teacher, school social worker or school psychologist. They can initiate measures to stop the bullying. External counseling centers also offer support. It is important to talk openly with your child about the situation and show them that they are not alone.