Impact of Family Life on Academic Connection
Working with students from elementary school through college, there are significant characteristics that contribute to a student’s ability to connect and attach to their school environment. Stressors in family life are a main contributing factor when exploring the reasons students may be struggling academically, socially, and emotionally. It is important to look deeper into the underlying needs a student may have other than those that present on the surface. The personal narrative a student carries relates to their ability to connect, attach, relate, and develop throughout their schooling. Family dynamics have a profound influence on the way a student connects and build relationships in their academic setting.
As educators and therapists, we need to look deeper into their stories to truly understand how we can promote and facilitate a positive connection. I encourage everyone to look deeper “into the backpack” students carry with them, to really know what we can do to help them unpack it on their journey.
Contributing Causes
Recent and/or ongoing changes in family dynamics can impact a student’s well-being. Issues like COVID-19, divorce, abuse or neglect, restructuring or blending of families, financial constraints, death of a family member, sibling issues, and moving to a new location are all significant stressors. These causes can impact the functioning of a student at any developmental point in their life. Common signs to look out for are students reporting feelings of guilt, withdrawal from previous activities, disruption in grades, poor attendance, behavioral issues, and a decline in their overall mental health.
Strategies to Promote Connectedness
When the contributing causes are overlooked, students are at-risk for long-term challenges with long-lasting consequences. Poor peer connections, academic deficits, continued family pressure, the risk for school drop-out, increased likelihood of substance use, limited employment options, and possible death by suicide are known results. Here are some strategies that can be useful as an educator when noticing signs and symptoms of family stressors affecting a student:
● Become a safe space for the student to talk
● Refer the student to school/community resources
● Engage family members if needed
● Connect the student into the learning environment
● Remain available to the student throughout the process
● Monitor and accommodate academic needs to promote classroom success
Building and promoting productive relationships as educators allows for the student to connect with the academic environment, reduces the likelihood of school drop-out, encourages connection to mental health professionals, and alleviates family stressors. Becoming aware of a student’s personal narrative with their family helps to broaden the scope of interventions and practices to strengthen academic, social, and emotional well-being.
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