As the end of the school year approaches, so does it come time to discuss final grades. It’s been a roller coaster of a year and students and parents alike might feel stressed and worried, especially if poor grades are a concern.
Instead of casually discussing grades on a short car ride to the shops, or when you’re getting ready to head to work, sit down together and make sure you have a decent amount of time to fully discuss the year and each subject/grade.
No matter what grades show up on the end-of-year report card, there WILL be something positive. A compliment in the teacher comments, a grade that’s higher than last year’s, a pass in a difficult subject, etc.
Listen
Parents and children are in this together. Listen to each other and recognise that you both want the same thing: school success! Recognize the struggle, listen to thoughts, comments, worries, complaints. Be empathetic.
Another school year has passed and a LOT has been accomplished. Report card aside, your child has learned a lot this school year and had to adapt to some unexpected circumstances, and that alone is a reason to celebrate! Whether it’s monetary rewards for high grades, or a simple trip to get ice cream, marking the milestone of another grade over is a great way to recognize achievement at every stage.
