In Spain, with compulsory education lasting until age 16, school is a central place for adolescents’ character development and social learning. However, many children remain silent when facing setbacks and stress. Psychologist Rocío Ramos-Paúl, host of the well-known TV show ‘Supernanny,’ offered several key observation indicators for parents on her Cadena Dial radio program.
Quality of After-School Communication
A child’s behavior after school is a mirror reflecting their school experience. If a child is willing to proactively share stories from class or recess with emotion and detail, it usually indicates positive social and learning experiences. Rocío Ramos-Paúl emphasizes that even if a child shares unhappy events, this act of expression itself reflects their trust in the family and their need to be heard, forming a good foundation for parent-child communication.
Morning Readiness for School
Morning details should not be overlooked. Some children show obvious resistance to going to school, such as repeated procrastination, refusal to leave the house, or frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches. The expert points out that such somatic symptoms are sometimes not physiological illnesses but psychological manifestations of anxiety or rejection of the school environment. Parents need to be vigilant about this avoidance behavior disguised as physical discomfort.
Unusual Signals in Emotions and Behavior
When a child faces significant pressure at school, their daily behavior patterns may change. If parents notice a decline in sleep quality, loss of appetite, unexplained low moods, or a sudden increase in irritability or isolation, these are often important psychological warning signs. These changes suggest the child may be enduring distress that exceeds their coping abilities.
Comprehensive Assessment and Timely Intervention
The expert suggests that parents should combine their observations with feedback from school teachers and pay attention to the child’s enthusiasm for extracurricular activities. Typically, children who feel safe and have a sense of belonging at school will participate more actively in group activities and enjoy discussing their peers. Conversely, if a child frequently cries or is overly worried about others’ opinions, parents need to be on high alert, proactively engage in deep conversations with the child, and seek professional psychological support when necessary to ensure problems are addressed promptly.
