What to Do When Your Child Has Bad Grades

When kids are very young, many parenting problems prove challenging but straightforward. For example, many kids go through periods where they refuse to eat. Many parents face difficulties with kids challenging their bedtimes.

As kids grow older, though, the challenges often leave parents uncertain because they are complex. One very common problem is bad grades. Parents can’t simply let the problem sort itself out because it may never sort itself out.

Even worse, not addressing the problem can leave kids in a position where they are constantly struggling to catch up. If your child is struggling in school, keep reading for some tips to help them resolve their bad grades.

Don’t Jump into Punishment

Many parents assume that bad grades mean that their child just isn’t trying. They assume that punishment is the best and maybe even only way they can course correct that problem.

You should reserve punishment for times when kids actually break rules. For example, a kid can do all of their homework and still get bad grades due to inattention. Instead, look for ways you instill discipline into their school-related tasks and behaviors.

Not sure about the exact difference? You can read more here.

Have a Conversation

Resolving the issue starts with understanding the issue.

Do the bad grades stem from not understanding the material? Is your child acting out as a way to get your attention?

If it’s the former, you can look for tutoring services or study tips to help resolve the understanding gap. If it’s the latter, figuring out ways that you can spend more time with the child may help improve grades.

Talk with the Teachers

Your child’s teachers can prove an invaluable source of insights. They’ll have the most direct exposure to your child’s learning style. Just as importantly, they can give you key information about what they expect from students.

If nothing else, they can give you their perspective on why grades are a problem.

Kids and Grades Are Separate

Kids will often experience your displeasure with their grades as straight-up displeasure with them. It’s important that your child understand that your love for them isn’t tied to their performance in any given class.

Tell them directly that the grades make you unhappy because you want them to do well. Also, make it clear that you’ll still love them even if they don’t get straight A’s.

Bad Grades and You

Dealing with bad grades can prove a struggle for any parent. It’s often more complicated than a child simply not doing their work.

You must take the time to understand why the bad grades occur. That means talking with the child and probably their teachers. That will usually provide you with the information you need to pick a strategy.

That strategy might mean finding tutors and looking for study tips. It might also mean simply spending more time with your kid to limit attention-seeking behavior.

Looking for more tips? Check out some of the posts over in our Parenting section.