Why Your Child is Falling Behind in School - And It’s Not Because They’re Lazy
One of the things that a parent dislikes hearing is: “They’re lazy.” “They’re not trying.” “They could do better if they wanted to.”
As a primary school teacher in Trinidad, I want to say that children are rarely lazy. When a child is falling behind, something else is happening beneath the surface.
And once we understand what that something is, we can actually help.
What Falling Behind Really Looks Like
Falling behind doesn’t always mean failing tests. Sometimes it looks like:
Avoiding homework
Crying or getting angry after school
Rushing through work just to “get it done”
Saying “I can’t” before even trying
Shutting down during lessons
These are not signs of laziness but signs of being overwhelmed, confused, or a lack of confidence.
The Myth of Laziness in Children
Children want to succeed and when they don’t:
It’s often because the work feels too hard
Or they missed an earlier skill that everything else now depends on
Or they’re afraid of being wrong
Or they’ve tried before and felt embarrassed
📌 Avoidance is usually a coping strategy.
The Real Reasons Children Fall Behind
1️⃣ Gaps from Earlier Years
A child may be in Standard 3, but still unsure about:
basic reading skills
number facts
understanding instructions
School moves on but gaps don’t disappear on their own.
2️⃣ Too Much Pressure; too Little Support
After a full school day, children are tired. When homework becomes:
shouting
threats
punishment
learning shuts down.
Children cannot learn well when they are stressed.
3️⃣ Lack of Routine and Structure
Children thrive on predictability.
Without a clear routine:
homework feels endless
tasks feel unmanageable
children give up easily
Structure builds security.
Why Confidence Matters More Than Ability
I have taught many capable children who underperform because they don’t believe they can. Confidence affects:
participation
effort
memory
focus
📌 A confident child will attempt work; an anxious child will avoid it.
What Parents Can Do (That Actually Helps)
Here are practical, realistic steps that make a difference:
Focus on progress, not perfection
Praise effort, not just results
Break homework into small, manageable parts
Allow short breaks
Ask, “What part is confusing?” instead of “Why don’t you understand?”
Small changes in approach can create big changes in attitude.
When Extra Support Is the Best Choice
Sometimes, children need support outside the home because children respond differently in a structured, calm learning environment.
Learn more about Desha Academy and our child-centred approach
How Structured Support Helps Children Catch Up
At Desha Academy, children are supported with:
clear routines
guided practice
patience
encouragement
understanding of how children actually learn
Explore our Homework Centre for primary school children:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or frustrated, support is available.
Contact Desha Academy to discuss learning support for your child
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