Is Your Child Struggling?

How to know when it’s time to ask for help.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance something feels off. Maybe your child’s grades have dipped. Maybe they’ve been snapping more often. Maybe they just don’t seem like themselves lately — and you’re not sure what’s going on.

You’ve tried being supportive. You’ve tried being patient. You’ve tried giving space. But that quiet worry is still there, and it’s getting harder to ignore.

At The Bertram Group, we work with families navigating exactly this moment — the in-between stage, where things aren’t falling apart, but they aren’t clicking either. You don’t need a full diagnosis to know that something needs attention. And you don’t need to have it all figured out to start getting help.

This guide is here to give you some clarity. Some signs to look for. And some next steps if your gut keeps whispering: “Don’t wait.”

What to Watch For: Signs That Something’s Shifting

Every child has off days, rough weeks, even seasons where motivation is low or moods run high. But when those shifts become patterns — that’s your cue.

🚩 Changes in School Engagement

• They stop turning things in, even when they understand the material.

• Homework leads to tears, yelling, or complete shutdown.

• They used to take pride in school; now they couldn’t care less.

🚩 Mood or Behavior Feels Different

• More withdrawn. More irritable. More sensitive.

• Big mood swings that don’t match the situation.

• They stop hanging out with friends or drop activities they used to love.

🚩 Physical Signs That Something’s Off

• Suddenly not sleeping well — or sleeping all the time.

• Complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue with no clear cause.

• Less attention to personal hygiene, which feels out of character.

Parent tip: Keep a simple log — even just notes on your phone. When you're deep in it, it’s easy to forget what started when. Having a record helps if you end up talking to a counselor or professional down the road.

Gut Check: Questions to Ask Yourself

You don’t need to diagnose anything. Just take a moment and answer these honestly:

• Is this new — or has it been building for a while?
  A bad week is one thing. But if it's been creeping in for months, pay attention.

• Is this spilling into other areas of life?
  School might be the trigger, but are they also pulling away at home? Losing interest in friendships?

• Are they bouncing back from setbacks — or staying stuck?
  Everyone gets knocked down. But if your child isn't getting back up like they used to, that matters.

• Have you already tried your usual playbook?
  Sometimes what’s worked in the past just... stops working. That’s a sign it’s time to try something new.

• What does your gut say?
  No one knows your kid like you do. If your intuition keeps nudging you to act — listen.

Next Steps: Who Can Help?

Support comes in a lot of forms. You don’t have to jump straight into therapy (unless that feels right). Start with the circle you already have — and build from there.

People Already in Your Corner

• Teachers or school counselors: They see your child in a different context and may notice patterns you don’t.

• Your pediatrician: A good first stop to rule out physical concerns or to get referrals.

When You’re Ready to Call in Pros

• Therapists or counselors: For emotional support, anxiety, depression, or just helping your child talk things out.

• Educational consultants (like us): When academics, learning differences, or school fit are part of the challenge.

• Educational psychologists or learning specialists: For formal testing, targeted strategies, or IEP/504 navigation.

Parent tip: You are your child’s best advocate. If something doesn’t sit right, keep asking. Keep pushing. Keep trying. The right fit is out there.

Bottom Line: You’re Not Failing — You’re Showing Up

You don’t have to wait for things to fall apart before you get support.
In fact, noticing the signs early — and acting on them — is one of the most powerful things you can do as a parent.

Whether your child is struggling in school, feeling overwhelmed emotionally, or just not thriving the way they used to, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out alone, either.

We’re here to help you sort through what’s going on and figure out what kind of support would actually help — no pressure, no panic, just a calm conversation about what’s next.

Reach out to The Bertram Group for a confidential consult. We’re here when you’re ready.