Beyond Grades: Understanding How Family Mental Health And School Performance Relate

It’s increasingly being recognized that the mental health of family members—particularly parents—can significantly influence the academic performance of school-aged children. However, the connection between family mental health and school performance goes beyond grades, as it may affect the emotional well-being of children throughout adolescence and adulthood as well. Read on to explore the relationship between family mental health and academic achievement and learn strategies for creating a supportive environment—both educationally and emotionally. 

Understanding family mental health

Family mental health refers to the overall emotional and psychological well-being of members of a family. It encompasses how individuals within a family cope with stress, communicate, and support each other, and it can also include mental health conditions that any individual family member may be experiencing.

For example, when a family member experiences mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, it can sometimes lead to inconsistency and disruptions in routines, increased stress, and insufficient emotional support for the child. This may be especially true when the person has not yet received treatment for their mental health condition. These effects collectively may influence a child's development and school performance, particularly when the family member experiencing a mental illness is their parent or primary caregiver.

The impact of parental mental health

When exploring the link between family mental health and school performance, it can be helpful to understand the impact of parental internalizing disorders. Parental internalizing disorders are mental health conditions like depression and anxiety that involve inwardly directed emotional distress. Unlike disorders characterized by outward behaviors, such as substance use disorders, these involve intense feelings of sadness, worry, or fear.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

For example, symptoms of depression in parents might include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety symptoms can include excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate. When parents experience these—especially if they go untreated—it often has a significant impact on their children. 

A child could even begin to display signs of anxiety or depression themselves. Research has also suggested a statistically significant association between school-age children displaying poor academic performance and behavioral issues and parents with depression.

The importance of children’s mental health

Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression can significantly impair a child's ability to focus, remember information, and actively participate in school activities. These conditions often make social interactions difficult, resulting in feelings of isolation and reduced classroom engagement, which may lead to a decreased likelihood of academic success.

Addressing these kinds of mental health concerns is often essential for enhancing both a child’s educational outcomes and their quality of life. In some cases, addressing family mental health challenges may help improve a child’s mental health, too. That said, remember that children showing signs of a mental health condition should receive individual mental health support for themselves as well.

Academic support strategies for families

Parents and other family members can play a vital role in supporting a child’s academic performance, both directly and by addressing any mental health challenges in the household. For example, implementing practical strategies to create a more supportive and stable environment may result in less stress for everyone in the home and create a strong foundation for academic success. The following strategies may be helpful to consider.

Maintain open communication

• Regularly check in with your child about their schoolwork, feelings, and social experiences.
• Encourage them to share their worries or challenges openly and refrain from judging or criticizing what they share with you.

Establish routines

• Whenever possible, create a daily schedule that includes time for homework, chores, and leisure or relaxation.
• Aim to create routines that are balanced and provide a sense of stability.

Promote a positive learning environment

• Set up a quiet and distraction-free study area.
• Help your child cultivate healthy study habits, such as keeping organized, asking for help when needed, and taking regular breaks.

Encourage healthy habits

• Encourage your child to get regular physical exercise, which may improve mood and concentration.
• Help your child limit processed foods and provide them with nutrient-rich meals as much as possible.
• Prioritize adequate sleep, since rest is crucial for academic performance as well as overall development and well-being.

Foster a love of learning

• Encourage curiosity and a growth mindset by celebrating effort and progress, not just grades.
• Engage in educational activities together, such as reading, visiting museums, or exploring nature.

Set realistic expectations

• Help your child set achievable academic goals.
• Encourage them to do their best without pressuring them for perfection.
• Teach them that mistakes and failure can be valuable parts of life and let them know that their academic performance is unrelated to your love and care for them.

Teach stress-management techniques

• Introduce practices like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and time-management skills.
• Encourage hobbies and activities that your child enjoys and finds relaxing.

Be involved in their education as much as possible

• Attend parent-teacher conferences whenever possible and do your best to stay informed on your child’s progress in school.
• If possible, volunteer at school events or join parent groups to stay connected with the school community.

Model healthy behavior

• Demonstrate how to handle stress and setbacks in a healthy way.
• Show the importance of self-care by investing in your own mental health in tangible ways.

Seek professional help when needed

• If your child is showing signs of significant stress, anxiety, or depression, don’t hesitate to seek help for them from a school counselor or other mental health professional.
• Consider family therapy if parental mental health challenges may be affecting the family dynamic.

How therapy can help

Therapy can be a valuable resource for parents whose children are experiencing mental health challenges and/or who are experiencing some themselves. It can provide a space for individuals to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and learn skills to improve relationships and parenting skills. It can also be an opportunity to address specific mental health challenges that may be affecting the family dynamic and the child’s well-being and school performance. 

Online therapy can be a more convenient way for busy parents to engage with a mental health professional, since it allows them to receive support from the comfort of their homes. Therapy in this format is also more affordable than in-person care in many cases, and many find it more comfortable to speak with a care professional remotely via phone, video, and/or in-app messaging than face to face. Research suggests that online therapy can offer similar outcomes to in-person therapy in many cases.