Published By: Satavisha

Dos and Don'ts Parents Should Follow If Their Child Fails An Exam

It is difficult and disappointing for parents to deal with the news of their child failing an exam. Regardless of how upset you are, there are some dos and don’ts that every parent should remember.

As concerned parents, you would always want your son or daughter to give their best in every sphere of life, and at school especially. Oftentimes, exam results are considered the tell-tale sign of a child's intelligence and success. And when students secure poor marks or worse, fail an exam, parents get highly disappointed. Some parents might even think their child is not working hard enough, but that may not always be the case. Keep scrolling to read about some dos and don’ts that every parent should follow upon facing such a situation.

Do not blame your child.

No student studies for a school test with the intention of not passing it. Just like adults, children should also be entitled to some me-time because they need a source of entertainment too. Blaming your child for watching tv or playing video games might induce a sense of guilt in them, further causing emotional distress.

Do identify the problem.

You should discuss with your child the specific subjects and areas where they are lagging or facing difficulties. Identify their problems and consider finding a good private tutor or coaching class to help your child conquer their academic challenges. It is essential for parents to assist their children in recognizing their weaknesses and strengths to improve their academic performance.

Do not compare.

As suggested by experts, parents should never compare their son/daughter to anyone else – not with their classmates, cousins, or even a sibling. As a parent, you must acknowledge that every child is different, and they all have different strengths and weaknesses. Comparison feels demeaning even to adults, and it seems worse to teens, who are undergoing hormonal changes, as a result, their emotions may seem uncontrollable at times.

Do encourage your child to perform better in the future.

Encourage your child to set realistic and attainable academic goals. This tip will help your child avoid disappointments in the future. While you assist your child to deal with failures and buckle up for the future, remember to track their progress.

Do not show disappointment.

It is easier for parents to lose their calm, but disappointment and anger will not remedy the situation. Besides, your child is probably already disappointed and mad at themselves for their poor performance, so try not to thrust your grief on them. Your negative emotions might be counterproductive. Instead, help your child realize that the past cannot be changed and they should rather focus on the future.

Always be a kind parent and supportive parent to your child.