Not getting challenged in school can also be due to other factors, like a sudden drop in confidence. Was your kid a chipper ray of sunshine last year but acting more like Johnny Raincloud this year?
It may be because her confidence took a nosedive, and that could be for a variety of reasons. If you suspect this is the case, sit her down and have an honest, one-on-one conversation about what's causing her change in behavior. It could be because of something as serious as a bullying situation at school, or she may be self-conscious about her reading level compared to that of her peers. But you just never know until you ask.
It also never hurts to give your child a boost when she's feeling down. "If your child tends to feel defeated by disappointments, help her be more optimistic," said Karen Reivich, PhD, coauthor of The Optimistic Child, in an interview with Parents. "Instead of offering glib reassurances to 'look on the bright side,' encourage her to think about specific ways to improve a situation and bring her closer to her goals."
