Good grades don't always tell the whole story. In this first installment of our Things Parents Hear That Aren’t Quite Right series, we explore why understanding how a child learns can be just as important as what they achieve. Through a neuropsychological lens, we look beyond the report card to better understand the effort, strategies, and support that may be shaping a child's success.

The transition back to school can bring excitement, uncertainty, and everything in between. Whether your child is eager to return or feeling anxious about the changes ahead, parents play an important role in helping them navigate the adjustment. Learn practical strategies to support your child by validating emotions, strengthening connection, and creating a positive foundation for the new school year.

If your child rereads and highlights but still struggles to remember what they study, they’re far from alone. Effective learning depends on active strategies—not passive ones—and students often need explicit teaching in how to preview, process, and explain new information. With the right tools and guidance, kids develop stronger comprehension and study habits that support them well beyond a single test.

Often times, children with learning difficulties experience heightened symptoms of anxiety. The academic struggles combined with (real or imagined) social, emotional, or behavioral fears can become debilitating for a child. As a parent, it is hard to see your child suffering academically, emotionally, and socially. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of the connection between learning disorders and anxiety is a vital step in aiding your child and increasing their confidence and overall ability.

You’re seated right near the stage, watching the conductor lead the orchestra with rhythmic motions, pointing to the string instruments, to the woodwinds, to the bass… Just as the conductors so fluidly guides the orchestra to create beautiful compositions of music, so does our Executive Function guide our everyday thoughts and behaviors. Simply put, our executive function skills are imperative to our daily activity and functioning in the world around us.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects reading, writing, and spelling. When families seek out an evaluation due to concerns about their child’s reading or writing performance, dyslexia is one of the primary diagnoses that comes to mind for many practitioners. About 85% of students referred for special education services are students with literacy difficulties that may be dyslexia. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability.Given its prevalence, it is perhaps surprising that there are still many myths that persist.

If your child has had difficulties in school or you have concerns about their development, you have likely been referred for a neuropsychological evaluation. To many parents, this daunting, new recommendation has you imagining your child hooked up to machines for neurological imaging and observation. When in fact, these evaluations require no fancy machines and are often fun for kids. We want to answer common parent questions about these evaluations and clear up the confusion.

Many children require additional support in school for a variety of reasons. However, the education system can be difficult to navigate. Since parents are the primary advocate for their children, it is important to understand what is available, how to obtain services, and which services are appropriate for your child.