When Learning Is a Struggle, It Might Be More Than Just a Phase
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
When Learning Feels Like a Struggle Despite Their Best Efforts
You may notice your child putting in effort but falling behind in reading, writing, or maths. They might avoid homework, feel frustrated, or begin to lose confidence in school. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we support families in understanding learning difficulties with clarity, warmth and calm, experienced care.
Learning difficulties are more common than many parents realise. Early recognition allows for the right support at the right time, helping your child discover their strengths and grow in confidence.
What Are Learning Difficulties
Learning difficulties refer to specific challenges in acquiring academic skills, even when a child has normal intelligence and access to education. These difficulties are not due to laziness, poor parenting, or lack of motivation.
Examples of learning difficulties include:
Dyslexia: difficulty with reading, spelling or recognising words
Dysgraphia: challenges with handwriting or written expression
Dyscalculia: difficulty understanding numbers or solving basic maths problems
Some children may also have associated attention, memory or language challenges that affect learning. With appropriate intervention, they can still make strong academic and personal progress.
What You Might Notice
Learning difficulties may become more noticeable during the early primary school years, when academic demands begin to increase. You might observe:
Struggles With Reading or Writing
Your child may read slowly, avoid reading aloud, or have difficulty spelling common words. Written work may be messy or take longer to complete.
Difficulty With Concentration or Memory
Following multi-step instructions, copying from the board or retaining new information may feel harder for your child than for others.
Frustration or Low Confidence
Children with learning difficulties may become upset, withdrawn or disinterested in school. Some may develop negative self-beliefs about their abilities.
How We Support Your Child at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we take time to understand your child’s learning profile. Dr Charmaine Teo partners closely with families and educators to uncover how your child learns best and what might be getting in the way.
Your child’s care may include:
A detailed history of academic, developmental and social milestones
Observation of attention, memory, language and processing skills
Screening for associated conditions like ADHD or anxiety
Referrals for formal learning assessments or educational therapy
Ongoing support to coordinate care with teachers, psychologists or therapists
Dr Charmaine Teo brings a thoughtful, family-centred approach to every case. Her focus is on empowering both children and parents with the tools they need to succeed.
Supporting Parents Through the Learning Journey
As a parent, it is natural to feel worried or unsure when your child struggles in school. At Joyful Seeds, we offer calm and practical support to help you understand what is happening and what steps you can take.
We help you:
Understand your child’s learning style and areas of strength
Navigate assessments and referrals with confidence
Build routines that support learning at home
Communicate effectively with your child’s school and teachers
Celebrate progress, no matter how small
With understanding, early support and collaboration, children with learning difficulties can develop lasting skills and confidence.
Let Us Walk With You and Your Child
If you suspect your child is struggling to keep up in school or learning in a different way, we welcome you to speak with us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we provide thoughtful, expert guidance for children with learning difficulties. With a calm and supportive approach, we help your child move forward, one step at a time.
