How to discipline a teenager getting bad grades
When your teen brings home a bad report card, the first reaction by parents is usually disappointment and sometimes anger. It is important that you as a parent handle this very carefully. As a parent you need to understand your teenager and find a way to help and motivate them to improve their grades. Below are a few ways of disciplining your kids who bring home bad grades.
Talk to your teen
It is necessary that you set aside a quiet and comfortable time to talk to your child. Before disciplining them, try to understand why their grades are so poor. A teenager normally will be able to tell you why they are struggling with a subject. Listen to them. Try not too preempt answers and give your teen time to articulate an answer rather than a shrug on their shoulders.
Questions that can be asked are :
Do they like their teacher ? Can they understand their teacher? Are they having problems understanding the subject matter ? Do they feel they lack the motivation? and so on
Set realistic goals
Set goals that both you and your teen feel are achievable. A ‘D’ grade cannot be changed to an A grade in one term. Some children may be trying their best but still get low grades. If need be, get help for your teen .
Avoid restricting things your teen enjoys
Avoid taking away things that your teen enjoys as punishment. This relates in particular to hobbies. If you remove this from their lives it may actually demotivate your child. Rather work on seeing how limiting an activity may result in allowing your child more time to complete homework .
If you feel that your teen is spending too much time on social activities and texting with friends then try to restrict these for a period of time during the day before returning them. Try working towards a compromise with your teen.
Limit Social outings
Don’t allow your teen to go to any social events or parties until they have improved their grades. Missing out on dances and parties can be a strong motivator for a teen to put extra work into their studies.
Structure life at home
Your teen should understand that they must finish homework before the television is switched on or before they can socialize with friends. If these home rules are applied fairly and consistently then a teen will be motivated to complete their work. Follow through with any disciplinary rules at home despite any pleading and moaning.
Natural Consequences
Allow your teen to suffer consequences of their bad grades. For some teens this will work and others it will not. Parents don’t want their child to fail. Sometimes though it is better to back off and let the teen fail. If your child ends up being forced to attend summer school it is likely that they will work harder to avoid having to attend again next year. Your teen should understand whilst you will help them in any way you can, if they continue to choose not too work they may even have to repeat a grade.
It is important therefore to be open and encourage your teen to bring their grades up. Get your teen extra help if required and be prepared to use a variety of consistent disciplinary techniques.