School is again in full swing. The nervousness and settling-in period should have passed for your child/teen. The first report card will soon be out. If your child is underperforming, there is probably a good reason.

One of the reasons could be underlying depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, a learning disability or a combination of these concerns. The facts are that very few children are truly lazy. Most children want to please themselves, please their parents and teachers. If a child is struggling to please, there is probably something getting in the way. A thorough behavioral health evaluation by a competent psychotherapist and a child psychiatrist will reveal issues that keep your child/teen from performing at their best level.

The same message applies to behavior at home. Parents who receive disrespect from their children, are non-compliant with homework, children who are avoidant or refuse to do chores, and who have frequent tantrums, are likely seeing a young person with behavioral health issues. These issues should be addressed professionally.