How to react to your child’s report card?

When you receive your child’s report card, keep the following tips in mind:

• Be open and attentive
• Stay positive
• Highlight the subjects your child did well in
• Acknowledge their efforts and the progress they’ve made when discussing their lowest grades
• Remember that one bad report card won’t throw their future in jeopardy
• Avoid comparing your child’s grades to another’s
• Be loving and supportive, even if you’re disappointed with certain marks
• Listen to what your child has to say about their results
• Avoid reprimanding or punishing them
• Etc.

It’s also important to remember that your child’s struggles may be temporary and that they’re not insurmountable.

If you’re concerned about your child’s grades, there are ways to show them how much you care about their education while helping them become a more independent student. Here are some examples:

• Supervise homework time
• Help your child organize their work
• Ask their teacher what you can do to help them at home
• Work with your child to tackle issues that could affect their grades, such as lack of sleep, trouble concentrating, or tensions with a classmate
• Make homework time more fun (e.g., using interactive apps)
• Etc.

Julie R-Bordeleau is a blogger, former teacher, and stay-at-home mom of four boys. She has a strategy when it comes to reacting to her kids’ report cards, regardless of what their grades are like.

Since her sons are always there to see her reaction, Julie knows she has to say something quickly despite the questions and comments running through her mind. Her first priority is making sure her kids are happy with how they did. She does this by asking a few questions:

• Are you proud of what you achieved this term?
• What was your best subject?
• What did you like the most?
• What do you think you need to work on?
• Do you have any goals for next term? If so, what are they?

Seeing your child get a bad report card can be a bit of a shock. That’s why it’s important to remember that tests and exams only measure what students have learned over a given period. In other words, they provide only a snapshot of their knowledge. By offering support, encouragement, and a sympathetic ear, you can help your child get over any bumps in their academic path.