4 Ways to Build Confidence in a Struggling Student
Is your child pulling away from school or saying things like “I’m not smart enough”? A student’s confidence doesn’t disappear overnight. It gradually fades when they stop believing they can make progress. The good news is that this confidence also returns when they experience success they believe they earned. And you, as a parent, can help them rebuild it.
1. Use encouraging language
Watch how you phrase your feedback. Do you catch yourself saying things like, “You’re just not good at math”? That can reinforce the idea that ability is fixed—and that no amount of effort will matter. Instead, say “You haven’t figured this part out yet.” That word “yet” is very important because it reframes challenges as something to work through with time and effort, not something to avoid.
2. Let mistakes lead to questions, not judgment
Don’t rush to fix things that your child gets wrong. Instead, ask them what they would do differently. When students learn to respond to mistakes without fear, they’re much less likely to give up at the first sign of struggle.
3. Set routines
Pick a consistent time and place so your child isn’t spending mental energy deciding when or where to work. Having a predictable homework schedule can remove stress before it starts.
4. Name their strengths, even the quiet ones
Some students don’t see their strengths because they don’t match what traditional schools reward. It’s up to you as a parent to point out the things that aren’t always graded, like their attention to detail and patience with others. Link those traits to schoolwork, and your child will see how they already have useful tools and just need to apply them!
The value of hiring a tutor
If your child shuts down during homework or avoids certain subjects altogether, you may be asking: Should I start looking for high school tutors near me to help my child rebuild confidence and improve their study habits? That’s a fair question. Sometimes, a struggling student needs someone outside the family to see their effort.
Having a tutor creates a space where mistakes aren’t judged and are instead used to guide the next step. Your child might feel more comfortable asking questions when they’re not afraid of disappointing you.
Where can I find the best high school tutors near me?
PALS Learning Center in Piscataway pairs students with tutors who understand both the academic and emotional sides of learning. Here, we build consistent study routines and teach practical strategies students can carry into every subject. Find out more about our tutoring programs on this website. You can also call +1 732 777 7997 for questions.