It was the worst day ever. Carol's mother sighed. She had expected that the teen years would be difficult, but she hoped that Carol would grow out of this difficult time soon.
Many teens experience a time when keeping up with school work is difficult.
These periods may last several weeks and may include social problems as well as a slide in academic performance. Some adolescents are able to get through this time with minimal assistance from their parents or teachers. It may be enough for a parent to be available simply to listen and suggest coping strategies, provide a supportive home environment, and encourage the child's participation in school activities. However, when the difficulties last longer than a single grading period, or are linked to a long-term pattern of poor school performance or problematic behaviors, parents and teachers may need to intervene. Other students may overcome early difficulties but begin to experience related problems during middle school or high school.