With the chaos of the holidays behind them and school back in full swing, many parents are facing a problem. Perhaps they noticed that their child was struggling academically before, and things haven’t improved, or maybe a new issue has come to the fore. What’s a mom to do when it’s midyear and the grades are plummeting?
HERE ARE SOME PRACTICAL WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP STUDENTS TURN THINGS AROUND AND FINISH THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG:
1. ASSESS THE SITUATION
- Talk to your child: Ask open-ended questions about what’s challenging them and how they feel about school.
- Review grades and feedback: Look at recent report cards, tests and teacher comments to identify problem areas.
- Communicate with teachers: Schedule a conference to gain insights into the struggles and possible solutions.
2. IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE
- Learning style or gaps: Does your child need material presented in a different way?
- Time-management issues: Are assignments late or rushed?
- Emotional or social challenges: Anxiety, bullying or low self-confidence can affect performance.
- Vision or hearing problems: Undiagnosed sensory issues may interfere with learning.
3. CREATE AN ACTION PLAN
- Set realistic goals: Focus on small, achievable improvements to build confidence.
- Establish routines: Create a consistent homework schedule in a quiet space with minimal distractions.
- Get extra help: Consider tutoring, learning centers or online resources tailored to your child’s needs.
- Prioritize subjects: Tackle the most challenging subjects first when energy is highest.
4. FOCUS ON STUDY SKILLS
- Teach note-taking strategies, summarizing and active-reading techniques.
- Encourage the use of planners or apps to track assignments and deadlines.
- Help practice for tests by creating flashcards or quizzes.
5. BUILD CONFIDENCE AND MOTIVATION
- Celebrate progress, not just results. Recognize effort and small wins.
- Connect learning to real-life interests to make it more meaningful.
- Avoid comparisons with siblings or peers; focus on personal growth.
6. CONSIDER OUTSIDE SUPPORT
- Check with the school about available resources like tutoring programs or counseling.
- Evaluate if an educational assessment or testing for learning disabilities might be beneficial.
7. ENCOURAGE BALANCE
- Make time for breaks, hobbies and physical activity to reduce stress.
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep and eats well, as both affect focus and energy.