10 Causes of Poor School Performance, from Anemia to Allergy

1- Anemia

Anemia, which is seen in 40 out of every 100 children in our country, can cause many problems when left untreated, such as growth retardation and reduced physical and mathematical intelligence, and it negatively affects school performance because less oxygen reaches the brain. If your child has anemia, you can give a natural supplement of iron-containing foods such as eggs, red meat, green leafy vegetables and grains, and molasses, provided it does not exceed 1 dessert spoon a day. Tea has no place in a child's diet because of its iron-blocking effect.

2- Allergy

Autumn is allergy season. If your child has an allergy, it is very important to take them to a pediatric allergy specialist before school starts and get the treatment under control. Otherwise, the allergy can cause nasal congestion and upper and lower respiratory tract problems in the child, leading to long absences from school. It may also cause problems with lack of concentration at school. If your child has no known allergy but frequently has problems such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough or rash, suspect an allergy and be sure to take them to a pediatric allergy specialist.

3- Attention deficit and hyperactivity

Attention deficit and hyperactivity is one of the most important problems at school. If their children show signs such as not concentrating enough on something, getting bored quickly, having learning difficulties, being constantly on the move, or messing everything up when entering a room, parents should definitely consult a specialist and take precautions. Otherwise, their adjustment to school is poor. With simple treatments, however, these children can be very successful.

4- Vision problems

Vision problems in children may go unnoticed and only be discovered during an eye examination. A child who cannot see well inevitably has learning difficulties. For this reason, it is worth taking your child to an eye doctor for an examination before school starts.

5- Vitamin D deficiency

While vitamin D deficiency can cause many problems in children, including bone pain, growth retardation, frequent infections and even cancer, it can also negatively affect school performance. It is very important to have your child's vitamin D levels checked before school. In addition, if your child is overweight or underweight, or too tall or too short, the causes should definitely be investigated, and if there is a serious underlying cause, it should be treated.

6- Hearing problems

While you think your child has no problem with hearing, you may in fact be wrong. If your child does not respond every time you call, listens to the television at a high volume and speaks loudly, be sure to take them to an ear, nose and throat doctor for a check-up. Otherwise, their performance in lessons can be directly affected by a hearing problem at school, and they may even go as far as losing interest in school.

7- Adenoids and sleep apnea

Frequent waking at night and snoring can be a sign of adenoid and sleep apnea problems. If the adenoids are larger than they should be, they can cause problems such as breathing difficulty and reduced oxygen to the brain in the child. Because sleep apnea can lead to learning and concentration disorders, fatigue, obesity and attention deficit, it will also affect school performance. For this reason, you should observe your child carefully and, if these symptoms are present, take them to an ear, nose and throat doctor for treatment.

8- Tooth and gum problems

Dental health must definitely not be neglected before school, and a possible problem must not be ignored by saying "their new teeth will come in anyway". Tooth decay is one of the most important causes of infections in the facial region. Be sure to take your child to a dentist for a general check-up before school. If necessary, fluoride treatment is also useful for preventing tooth decay.

9- Heart rhythm disorders

Unfortunately, many families in our country do not even think of taking their children for a heart examination unless a problem arises. Yet children usually start active sports along with school. Especially before starting licensed sports, children must definitely be seen by a pediatric cardiologist. Some rhythm disorders pose a great danger during sports.

10- Flat feet

It is very important to determine before school whether a child has flat feet. This is because if a child who runs around all day has flat feet, there will be a lot of leg pain at night, and the child may not even want to go to school. If there is a problem, treatment should be started and suitable shoes should be used. Also be sure to review whether your child is missing any vaccinations, and if so, be sure to have them given.

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