Help! My kid is failing.
Even smart kids can struggle as classes get harder. When school went online, it also became a big challenge for kids of all ages to keep up.
Parents should intervene as soon as possible to get kids back on track. The longer bad school habits go on, the more likely they are to stick.
If your child is struggling in school, now is the time to step in and help them.
Talk with Your Child
Understandably, many parents get upset when kids don’t do well in school. But instead of yelling, blaming, or panicking, you should start by talking. Find out why your child isn’t doing well. Struggling in school may not always be from a lack of effort. Allow your child the chance to offer their perspective. You may find out they are dealing with bullying, stressors, anxiety, boredom, or another issue that’s leading to poor performance.
Work with Teachers
Teachers are a crucial part of the equation. Sometimes, teachers and students struggle to work together. As a parent, you must collaborate with your child and their teacher. Get the teacher’s perspective on their schoolwork. Listen to what the teacher is saying and figure out some strategies you can collaborate on. For example, maybe the teacher can send you a list for each night’s homework so that you can check it before your child goes to class the next day.
Set Tangible Goals
Sit down and set goals with your child. Make sure these goals are clear, doable, and understood. Write them down and display them on a whiteboard, poster board, or list. Start small and build up the goals as your child gets back on track. For example, at first, the goal may be to “complete every assignment due this week.” Keep goals focused on controllable steps, not specific grades. Goals that set the right habits will lead to better grades.
If you notice your child spends excessive time on homework, is misbehaving at school, has many missing assignments, and is consistently getting low grades, it is time to intervene. Listen when teachers express concern and work with your child and teacher to come up with a plan. Address any underlying issues, like poor sleep, lack of exercise, or bullying that could be impacting school work.
