When you see signs of burnout in your child, initiating a proactive and collaborative conversation with their teachers is a crucial step. Approaching this conversation as a partner, rather than an adversary, can lead to effective solutions that support your child both at home and in the classroom.
Before the meeting, gather your observations. Note the specific signs you’ve seen, such as the “fatigue,” “cynicism,” or “dropping grades” mentioned by clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat. Presenting these concrete examples can help the teacher understand the situation’s severity.
Frame the conversation around a shared goal: your child’s well-being and success. Start by saying something like, “I’m hoping we can work together to support my child, as I’ve noticed they’ve been struggling with stress lately.” This sets a collaborative tone.
This approach helps to create the kind of school environment Kanwat describes, where the student feels “supported rather than simply evaluated.” By working with the teacher, you may be able to identify specific classroom stressors and brainstorm solutions, such as workload adjustments or different types of support.
This partnership also models effective self-advocacy for your child. It shows them that it’s okay to ask for help and that the adults in their lives are a team dedicated to their success. This open line of communication between home and school is a powerful strategy for both preventing and addressing student burnout.