How should parents react to a bad report card
As parents, we all want our children to perform well in every subject and bring home an impressive report card. Unfortunately the reality is that during your child’s K-12 years there are high chances that they will obtain a few disappointing grades.
How parents handle bad grades is very important as this can effect your child’s future approach to studying. A bad report card can lead to an emotional situation for both the child and the parents.
Here are some tips on how to react if your child brings home a bad report card:
Don’t rush -take your time to absorb
Chances are your child will already be aware that the report contains some red flags . Once you have absorbed the news take time to think about it all. It is important not to react instantly while emotions may be running high.If you are worried, tell your child that you need to look carefully at it and then you will discuss with them. Be calm and they will be too .
Praise the good aspects
It is important that any discussion begins with praise. Acknowledge the comments about their good behavior and the fact that they received a good grade in Music and Art. Even if its just a good attendance record praise it. It is important that your child understands that you are looking at everything not just the negatives.
Check the grading system
Make sure that you understand the grading system that your child’s school uses. Read the key. Sometimes a letter grade is tied to a numerical point system. What might look like a bad grade may not be as bad as first thought. Do not rush to conclusions at first glance.
Talk to your child, don’t lose your temper
It is alright to let your child know that you are disappointed and that you perhaps feel they could have done better. It’s important that you can discuss this calmly with your child and seek their opinion. You do not want to leave your child humiliated or ashamed.
Listen to your child’s point of view
There may be excuses brought up which you feel are invalid, but listen to them. Its possible that your child may have some insights into why they did badly in a particular subject. Maybe they can’t see the board or maybe they are just too tired from having a hectic day after the school schedule. Ask your child what they think is the cause. There are many reasons that could account for a child struggling with poor grades. Also check out how diet affects a child’s performance. We also have an article which suggests that poor sleeping patterns greatly affect a child’s performance at school.
Meet and Talk to the Teacher
It is important to meet regularly with your child’s teacher. This way you can be aware of their teaching styles and be aware earlier if your child needs some extra help with a subject.
Game plan
Discuss a realistic game plan with your child to try and improve their grades. Don’t punish for poor grades, it is better to try and identify problem areas and work with your child. Be realistic; a child who is obtaining D and C grades is unlikely to be able to get an A for the next report card. Improvement will likely be gradual but praise that improvement. The trend is what matters in this situation, not the score.
Your child will be counting on you to help them out. Follow the above points and if need be, do not be put off to ask for help from the school. Remember children actually do not want to fail so help them get back on track.
Please share your thoughts with us on other better ways of reacting to children who bring home a bad report card.