There often are warning indicators that signal potential or serious academic problems children may be experiencing. The experts at Sylvan Learning Centers have "red flagged" some of the typical changes of which parents should be aware that may be cause for concern (not panic). These warning signs should be discussed with the youngster's teacher and/or counselor and may require intervention to help him or her get back on track academically. Changes in the following areas should command attention:

• Grades. The most obvious sign is a downward trend in subjects the child customarily did well in.
• Attitude. A negative attitude about school and learning begins to surface.
  
• Behavior. The youngster becomes more introverted and less willing to talk about school, assignments, friends, and the school day. (This behavior is more typical during adolescence.)
• Confidence. In areas where the child used to be self-assured, a decrease in confidence is displayed.

Habits. Less time is spent reading, studying, organizing and managing his or her time, even socializing, and more time is spent watching television.

• Interests. While it is normal for interests to change as kids develop and discover new talents and motivations, it is not a good sign for youngsters to lose all academic and school-related interests.
• Communication from the school. An increase in notes sent home from teachers concerning classroom problems they are experiencing with the child is a strong warning signal.